The ECOWAS Parliament has called for accelerated deployment of renewable energy across West Africa, saying expanded access to clean and reliable electricity remains critical to transforming rural economies, creating jobs and reducing poverty in the sub-region.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Delocalized Joint Committee Meeting in Dakar, Senegal, on Monday, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, represented by the Fourth Deputy Speaker, Hon. Billay Tunkara, urged member states to deepen investments in renewable energy and rural electrification to unlock economic opportunities for millions of people living in rural communities.
Tunkara commended Senegal’s commitment to renewable energy development and praised the administration of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for its efforts to diversify the country’s energy mix, expand electricity access and promote energy sovereignty.
He noted that renewable energy currently accounts for about 30 per cent of Senegal’s energy mix, compared to less than 20 per cent across the West African region despite its vast solar and wind energy potential.
“Renewable energy is not merely a technical response to electricity demand. It is a key driver in transforming economic activities, particularly in rural areas,” he said.
According to him, access to affordable and reliable energy can boost agricultural processing, reduce post-harvest losses, support irrigation systems and stimulate the growth of rural businesses and digital services.
The ECOWAS Parliament also stressed that expanding renewable energy access would play a significant role in promoting economic inclusion and lifting vulnerable populations out of poverty.
Tunkara called for urgent action to bridge financing gaps, address technology transfer challenges and strengthen weak electricity distribution networks, particularly in underserved rural communities.
He advocated innovative financing mechanisms, including regional green funds, decentralised mini-grid systems and stronger South-South cooperation to enhance local technical expertise and capacity.
The ECOWAS lawmaker also highlighted the employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector, urging governments to invest in training programmes that would prepare young people for jobs in solar panel installation, equipment manufacturing, maintenance services and micro-grid management.
He further challenged parliamentarians across the region to strengthen legislative oversight and ensure the effective implementation of ECOWAS policies on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Meanwhile, the representative of Senegal’s Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, Mr. Mamadou Moustapha Seck, commended the ECOWAS Parliament for focusing its deliberations on renewable energy and rural development.
Speaking on behalf of Minister Cheikh Niang, Seck said lawmakers have a vital role to play in accelerating the implementation of policies aimed at achieving universal energy access across the ECOWAS region by 2030.
He described renewable energy as a cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources, particularly for rural communities.
“Renewable energies are within our reach, and we must do everything possible to promote their widespread use, especially in rural areas, so that our fellow citizens can live and work according to the demands of modernity,” he stated.
Seck also highlighted ECOWAS efforts to strengthen regional energy integration through institutions such as the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA) and the West African Power Pool (WAPP).
However, he raised concerns over the financial challenges facing WAPP, warning that declining contributions from member companies could threaten the sustainability of the regional power initiative.
He called on parliamentarians to advocate urgent interventions to address the funding shortfall and sustain regional energy integration efforts.
While acknowledging progress made towards energy sovereignty and universal electricity access, Seck urged ECOWAS member states to intensify energy transition efforts through supportive legislation, improved pricing policies and wider access to renewable energy technologies.
The five-day joint committee meeting has brought together parliamentarians, government officials, energy experts, development partners and private-sector stakeholders to explore strategies for harnessing renewable energy for rural electrification and economic development across West Africa.
Participants are expected to develop recommendations aimed at expanding access to clean energy, promoting sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of millions of rural residents across the ECOWAS region.
