The Chairman of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) Executive Board, Engr. (Dr.) Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, has urged member countries to accelerate governance reforms and strengthen institutional structures to fast-track the development of a functional regional electricity market.
Speaking at the 67th meeting of the WAPP Executive Board held in Lomé, Togo on May 4, 2026, Abdulaziz described the ongoing restructuring efforts as a “strategic necessity” for deeper power integration across West Africa.
“As cross-border electricity exchanges expand, WAPP must reorganise its structures, increase transparency, and improve efficiency to meet growing demand,” he said.
67th meeting of the WAPP Executive Board held in Lomé, Togo on May 4, 2026, (pix1)
The meeting focused heavily on a restructuring study and its recommendations. The Chairman called on board members to critically assess the proposals, prioritise immediate actions, and ensure reforms are implemented in a practical, results-oriented manner.
Abdulaziz outlined three guiding principles for the reform process: continuity of WAPP’s core mandate, strong governance discipline, and realistic implementation backed by adequate resources and measurable outcomes. He stressed the link between good governance and financial stability, noting that predictable, market-based revenue streams are essential for long-term sustainability.
“A strong and well-governed regional market operator is critical to increasing electricity trade, improving supply reliability, reducing costs through regional optimisation, and attracting investment into the sector,” he added.
Secretary General of WAPP, Mr. Addoulaye DIA, echoed the urgency. He described the meeting as a critical milestone for governance reform and called for a shift from studies to actual implementation. DIA emphasised the need for phased, adequately funded reforms, including the gradual establishment of an independent market operator and clearer definition of institutional roles.
He highlighted persistent challenges facing the region — limited electricity access, rising demand, huge investment requirements, and the fragile financial position of many utilities — and stressed the importance of achieving permanent synchronization of West African power grids this year.
Both leaders commended ongoing efforts in grid interconnections and market preparation but acknowledged that stronger financial discipline, timely payment of member contributions, and collective responsibility are required to move forward.
Senior representatives of member utilities and WAPP Secretariat officials used the session to review ongoing projects and align on strategic priorities, including accelerating interconnection infrastructure, strengthening market mechanisms, and enhancing institutional capacity.
The meeting also admitted three new rotating board members: Mr. Gallo Saidy (representing The Gambia), Mr. Justice Kyere (Ghana), and Mr. Mysbaou Adam Assa (Benin).
