Power
West African Power Pool prepares for second phase
The West African Power Pool plans to launch the second phase of its regional electricity market early next year.
Key points
- WAPP held its 68th Executive Board meeting in Lomé, Togo.
- The second phase aims to strengthen cross-border power trading.
- Four new utilities applied to join the regional power pool.
What happened
The West African Power Pool is preparing to launch the second phase of its regional electricity market early next year, according to Punch reporting from the organisation's 68th Executive Board meeting held in Lomé, Togo. WAPP Secretary-General Abdoulaye Dia stated that the transition involves implementing institutional guidelines and operationalising an independent system and market operator.
Why it matters
Cross-border electricity trading is critical for improving power reliability across the sub-region. According to World Bank figures, Nigeria's electricity use per person stood at 140.6 kWh in 2024, compared to a global average of 3,708.5 kWh, highlighting the ongoing need to strengthen regional supply systems and expand generation capacity.
What comes next
During the meeting, the board reviewed membership applications from four utilities: Konexa from Nigeria, SOGESART and SOGEOH from Senegal, and HOLDEN-Niger SARL. These applications are scheduled for formal ratification at the upcoming WAPP General Assembly.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Grids decide whether generation becomes power that homes and businesses can rely on. Generation mix, transmission and distribution losses, and tariffs together shape reliability and the case for investment.
62.5% of people in Nigeria had electricity in 2024Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
