Power Sector Transition in the West African Power Pool

Introduction

West Africa is rich in natural resources, particularly significant gas reserves and ample solar production potential. The West African Power Pool (WAPP) was created to unify regional electricity markets, encourage development of power generation and transmission infrastructure, and improve the reliable supply of electricity to residents of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). WAPP consists of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Collectively, these countries represent nearly 450 million residents and 5.1 million square kilometers (about 17% of Africa's total land area).

While generation potential is great, cross-border exchange is relatively low with only 8.5% of total ECOWAS electricity production traded in 2018.

In early 2025, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali withdrew from ECOWAS after "[refusing] Ecowas demands to restore democratic rule," and the three nations formed the Alliance of Sahel States. This could pose significant threats to the departing countries, particularly in the realms of energy, regional security, and economic stability due to their interdependence on ECOWAS neighbors. Experts believe that this departure will negatively impact access to electricity, wheat flour, and cooking oils, with member nations possibly facing exclusions from the West African Power Pool.

Symbolic Importance

Across West Africa, approximately 220 million individuals lack access to electricity, power shortages are common, and increasing access is a key priority for several countries featured on this page. Installations of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly utility-scale and distributed solar, represent a pathway toward achieving this. Solar resources in West Africa are abundant and consistent, with about 2,000 GW in solar potential alone. The West African Power Pool serves to support electrical integration in the region, thus improving reliability, imports and exports, and the cost competitiveness of different power sources. With coordination between the WAPP and ECOWAS, as well as strategic planning of transmission infrastructure, like what is outlined in the ECOWAS Master Plan for the Development of Regional Power Generation and Transmission Infrastructure, solar power in the desert can be delivered to population centers throughout the region. This, in turn, could support more diverse industrial development, job creation, improved public health, and greater economic resilience.

Additionally, given the immensity of impacts the region could face due to climate change, like resource strain, forced migrations, and greater incidences of illnesses, renewable development is a key tenant of most Nationally Determined Contributions.

Access to electricity and GDP per capita for countries in West Africa, as originally published by PwC and Masdar. Access to electricity appears to be correlated with GDP per capita, with Ghana ranking the highest in both categories and Niger ranking the lowest. Graph

Current System Description

Current Power Capacity Mix

Operating capacity in the West African Power Pool, as of March 2026. Data sourced from Global Energy Monitor's power sector trackers.

Operating power capacity in each WAPP country, as of March 2026. Data sourced from Global Energy Monitor's power sector trackers.

Energy Source	Installed Capacity (MW)	Percentage
Bioenergy	72 MW	0.3%
Coal	529.5 MW	1.9%
Hydropower	6,727 MW	24.1%
Oil & Gas	18,878.8 MW	67.7%
Solar	1,460.9 MW	5.2%
Wind	218 MW	0.8%
Total	27,886.2 MW	100%

Operating Power Capacity by Country in the West African Power Pool region.

Country	Energy Source	Installed Capacity	Percentage
Benin
	Oil & Gas	127.4 MW	82.0%
	Solar	27.9 MW	18.0%
	Total	155.3 MW	100%
Burkina Faso
	Oil & Gas	201.9 MW	48.0%
	Solar	218.9 MW	52.0%
	Total	420.8 MW	100%
Côte d'Ivoire
	Hydropower	936 MW	35.4%
	Oil & Gas	1,669 MW	63.2%
	Solar	38 MW	1.4%
	Total	2,643 MW	100%
The Gambia
	Solar	23 MW	16.0%
	Oil & Gas	121	64.0
	Total	144 MW	100%
Ghana
	Hydropower	1,584 MW	28.3%
	Oil & Gas	3,629 MW	64.9%
	Solar	381.2 MW	6.8%
	Total	5,594.2 MW	100%
Guinea
	Hydropower	815 MW	67.7%
	Oil & Gas	389 MW	32.3%
	Total	1,204 MW	100%
Guinea-Bissau
	Solar	10 MW	100%
	Total	10 MW	100%
Liberia
	Hydropower	88 MW	69.8%
	Oil & Gas	38 MW	30.2
	Total	126 MW	100%
Mali
	Hydropower	450 MW	51.3%
	Oil & Gas	254 MW	29.0%
	Solar	172.8 MW	19.7%
	Total	876.8 MW	100%
Niger
	Coal	30 MW	9.2%
	Oil & Gas	237 MW	73.1%
	Solar	57.4 MW	17.7%
	Total	324.4 MW	100%
Nigeria
	Coal	344.5 MW	2.4%
	Hydropower	2,738 MW	19.2%
	Oil & Gas	11,008 MW	77.3%
	Solar	154.7 MW	1.1%
	Wind	10 MW	0.0%
	Total	14,255.2 MW	100%
Senegal
	Bioenergy	40 MW	2.7%
	Coal	155 MW	10.4%
	Oil & Gas	802.5 MW	53.8%
	Solar	284.9 MW	19.1%
	Wind	208 MW	14.0%
	Total	1,490.4 MW	100%
Sierra Leone
	Bioenergy	32 MW	9.7%
	Hydropower	50 MW	15.1%
	Oil & Gas	237 MW	71.8%
	Solar	11.1 MW	3.4%
	Total	330.1 MW	100%
Togo
	Hydropower	66 MW	21.1%
	Oil & Gas	165 MW	52.9%
	Solar	81 MW	26.0%
	Total	312 MW	100%

Prospective Power Capacity

Energy Source	Announced	Pre-construction	Construction	Total
Bioenergy	102 MW	161 MW	46 MW	309 MW
Coal	500 MW	800 MW	0 MW	1,300 MW
Hydropower	3,031 MW	6,382 MW	610 MW	10,023 MW
Nuclear	2,124 MW	0 MW	0 MW	2,124 MW
Oil & Gas	14,894 MW	2,169 MW	1,646.7 MW	18,709.7 MW
Solar	8,582.8 MW	2,287.1 MW	1,063.4 MW	11,933.3 MW
Wind	589 MW	1,881.2 MW	0 MW	2,470.2 MW
Total	29,822.8 MW	13,680.3 MW	3,366.1 MW	Grand Total: 46,869.2 MW

Prospective power capacity across West African Power Pool member countries, as of March 2026. Data sourced from Global Energy Monitor's power sector trackers.

Renewables in the West African Power Pool

Renewable Targets

The ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy establishes a target of reaching a 19% share of wind and solar in the regional electricity mix by 2030, with that goal growing to 48% with the addition of hydropower. With respect to transmission planning, the West African Power Pool and ECOWAS expects to bring on significantly more renewable power in the next decade. According to its Master Plan for the Development of Regional Power, 3.15 GW of additional wind and solar is expected to come online between 2019 and 2033, with an additional 7.52 GW of hydropower.

In addition to ECOWAS targets, the Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine (West African Economic and Monetary Union, UEMOA) administers the Regional initiative for Sustainable Energy, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy across participating countries to 82%. Member states are Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.

Unless other timelines are specified, the following represents the 2030 renewable energy installation and/or generation target(s) for each country in the West African Power Pool:

Benin: Benin aims to reach a 35% renewable energy output, as well as 300 MW of solar installed by the end of the decade.

Burkina Faso: Excluding biomass, Burkina Faso aims to reach a 50% renewable energy share in the national electric mix.

Côte d'Ivoire: By the end of the decade, Côte d'Ivoire aims to have 45% of the national energy mix generated by renewable power. Additionally, Côte d’Ivoire aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2030 via its Electricity for All Program (Programme Electricité Pour Tous, PEPT).

The Gambia: In 2025, President Adama Barrow established a target of generating 50% of national power needs from renewable sources.

Ghana: Ghana's Renewable Energy Master Plan (2019) articulates a goal of installing the following (cumulatively) by 2030: 447.5 MW of utility-scale solar, 200 MW of distributed solar PV, 20 MW of standalone solar PV, 53.8 MW of solar for community lighting and irrigation, 325 MW of utility-scale wind, 150 MW of small- and medium-sized hydro plants, 50 MW of wave power, and 12 MW of mini and micro-grids. The Master Plan also hoped to reach a 10% renewable energy share in national production by 2020, though this target was pushed back to 2030 due to high capital costs and grid integration challenges.

Guinea: The National Energy Pact of Guinea establishes a target of a 67% renewable energy share in Guinea's national energy mix by 2030.

Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau aims to reach a 50% of power on the national grid coming from renewable energy, as well as 80% in isolated systems.

Liberia: Liberia hopes to see a 75% renewable energy share in its generation base, an increase from the 67% renewable share seen currently.

Mali: In line with Sustainable Energy for All's Action Agenda, Mali aims to reach a 58% renewable energy capacity in its national grid by the end of the decade.

Niger: Niger currently lacks specific renewable energy installation or generation targets, instead focusing its climate policy on reducing sectoral emissions and increasing rural access to electricity.

Nigeria: Nigeria's third iteration of its Nationally Determined Contribution (released in September 2025) creates a pathway for reaching a 50% renewable energy share in the national generation mix by 2030.

Senegal: Senegal's Just Energy Transition Partnership aims to achieve a 40% share in the national electricity mix by 2030, up from 30% today.

Sierra Leone: By the end of the decade, Sierra Leone aims to generate 35% of its energy from renewable sources.

Togo: Law 2018-010 on the promotion of electricity generation from renewable sources created a target of 50% renewable energy generation in the national electricity mix.

Major Renewable Projects

Five largest (in MW) proposed wind or solar projects in the West African Power Pool region

Project Name	Country	Energy Source	Installed Capacity (MW)	Status
Guinea-Conakry solar project	Guinea	Solar	500	Announced
NTPC solar farm	Mali	Solar	500	Announced
ARISE IIP solar farm	Togo	Solar	390	Pre-Construction
Lagos solar farm (Nigeria)	Nigeria	Solar	360	Pre-Construction
The Gambia NEK offshore wind farm	The Gambia	Wind	350	Announced

Seven largest (in MW) operating wind or solar projects in the West African Power Pool region

Project Name	Country	Energy Source	Installed Capacity (MW)	Status
Taiba N’Diaye wind farm, Phases 1, 2, and 3	Senegal	Wind	158	Operating
Blue Power Energy solar farm	Ghana	Solar	100	Operating
Bui Floating solar farm	Ghana	Solar	50	Operating
Bui solar farm	Ghana	Solar	50	Operating
Dagbon solar farm	Ghana	Solar	50	Operating
Akuo Kita solar farm	Mali	Solar	50	Operating
Léona wind farm	Senegal	Wind	50	Operating

Battery Storage and Small Hybrid Systems

While not tracked by Global Energy Monitor, West African nations are seeing an exploration of new battery and storage systems. IFC, in partnership with Scatec, is deploying solar and battery systems in both Sierra Leone (41 MW) and Liberia (24 MW). IFC is providing USD $100 million for the projects. Similarly, Mali's use of hybrid solar and battery microgrids has been a critical tool in increasing rural electricity access. In Didiéni, 3 MW of solar (1.3 MWp), storage (1.5 MWh), and thermal engines (generators, 1.5 MW) serve an estimated 12,000 people and 300 businesses while saving the community approximately 280,000 liters of diesel every year. Mali has another 2 MWh hybrid system, the Kayes Microgrid Project, which provides similar benefits: enhanced quality of life, reduced emissions, and job creation.

Potential of Renewables

A study by PwC estimates that West Africa's renewable energy potential is about 2,000 GW. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) affirms this estimate, with studies demonstrating that the technical installable capacities of 1,956 GW for solar and 106 GW for wind. The European Commission projects that under a 1.5°C scenario, 455 GW will be installed in West Africa by 2065, with more than half that capacity comprised of solar (projecte to have 268 GW installed), followed by coal, gas, and hydropower. Renewable power will represent 66% of West Africa's power supply in 2065.

Wind and solar suitability in West Africa, as originally published by IRENA.

Potential impacts from renewables expansion

With approximately 220 million individuals lacking access to electricity, West Africa's electrification rate is one of the lowest of all regions globally, and fuel prices are very high. Strategic renewable development may help to increase access to affordable, sustainable, and clean power for citizens across the region, and projects like the USD $311 million Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE) aim to do just that in Chad, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Projects like these are especially helpful given the inequality in energy access in urban versus rural areas, with urban parts of West Africa having an average electrification rate of 76% and rural having a rate of 29%.

Several solar companies have been started by individuals who grew up experiencing power cuts and outages in West Africa. For example, since its founding in 2016, Easy Solar has installed solar systems reaching more than 1 million individuals in Sierra Leone and Liberia. These solar systems have improved electrical stability, allowed for more activities at night, and decreased fears of fire from traditional candles and kerosene generators.

A transition away from petrol-fueled generators would also support agricultural communities. Solar irrigation pumps reduce reliance on expensive, sometimes difficult-to-acquire diesel or other liquid fuels. In fact, solar pumps in Ghana could be suitable for deployment across an estimated 2.3 million hectares. Some organizations like International Water Management Institute are rolling out market research and stakeholder engagement in Mali, where land is suitable for solar irrigation and malnutrition rates are high. These farmers are able to pay for the equipment in small, regular installments, after which ownership is transferred to the owner themself through a process called "pay-as-you-own financing." Despite this financing mechanism, solar continues to have very high upfront costs that make it difficult for many to access.

These benefits have been felt acutely in Guinea. Anecdotes shared by residents describe very expensive fuel costs and frequent blackouts that hinder businesses and development. One interviewee states that she, on average, would spend 300,000 GNF (~USD $35) per day on fuel costs. The addition of new transmission infrastructure has changed this with power now more reliable and accessible. With cheaper electricity, businesses have grown, children are able to study more effectively, crime is lower, and job opportunities have encouraged younger people to stay.

While renewable power generation is likely to produce distinct benefits for communities, there are concerns about waste. In one study, researchers estimated that 2.3-7.8 million tons of waste from solar PV could be created by 2050 in West Africa, with the majority coming from off-grid solar systems. An additional 213-704 kilotons of secondary material waste could be created in the same period, which represents a potential economic value of USD $143-$475 million.

Fossil Fuel in the West African Power Pool region

Fossil Resources and Retirement

Schematic of the West African Gas Pipeline, as originally published in research in the Journal of Energy.

All coal assets in the WAPP region lie within Niger and Nigeria, with Niger having operating coal mine (Tefereyre Coal Mine) and Nigeria having seven operating mines (Okpara Coal Mine, Okaba Coal Mine, Ogwashi Coal Mine, Inyi Coal Mine, Ezinmo Coal Mine, Ogboyoga Coal Mine, and Lafia-Obi Coal Mine). An additional mine, the Salkadamna Coal Mine in Niger, is in the pre-permitting stage of development.

While no coal mines in the region have been officially retired, three have been mothballed: Onyeama Coal Mine, Owukpa Coal Mine, and Maiganga Coal Mine.

Meanwhile, oil & gas is much more present in West Africa, which is home to about 60% of global discovered reserves by volume. Nigeria and Senegal (and, through shared complexes, Mauritania) have prospective and operating assets. Ghana has one operating oil & gas field, while Nigeria has 204 operating fields and Senegal has two. An additional 39 oil & gas fields are either discovered or in active development across the region. Ghana has two such fields and Nigeria has 37. In total, oil (oil, crude oil, condensate, and NGL production in across these sites totals an estimated 16,886 million barrels per year, and gas (gas, associated gas, and nonassociated gas) production totals an estimated 739,529 million cubic meters per year.

Oil and gas infrastructure buildout is ongoing. In Senegal, which only began extracting oil in 2024, the state-owned Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR) is expanding a refinery in Mbao from 1.5 million tonnes of crude oil per year to 5.5 million by 2030. While this supports Senegal's and ECOWAS's larger goals of reducing reliance on expensive crude oil imports, the move has faced scrutiny from civil society groups that argue advanced emission controls must be strict and well regulated to minimize damage to ecosystems and air quality. This move represents a deepened economic and energetic relationship between China and African nations.

An additional 23 extraction sites in Nigeria have been classified as "mothballed," meaning they are currently not operational, though operations may begin in the future.

The region is also home to an estimated 4,475 kilometers of operating oil pipelines, including the West African Gas Pipeline, which delivers gas from Nigeria's Niger Delta to West African nations of Benin, Togo, and Ghana. With a length of 678 kilometers, the Pipeline transports 200 million cubic feet of gas per day (mcfd). The project began operating in 2011 and was originally planned to cost $700 billion, though an additional $200 billion was needed to complete the project. If deemed necessary, the Pipeline's capacity is expandable to 600 mcfd. Natural gas in the area is also exported via seven operational liquefied natural gas terminals, with another 12 under development. Similarly, 20 oil pipelines operate entirely within the WAPP region, with no others currently planned for development.

Current and future impacts from fossil fuel

Where electrification rates are low, households often depend on gasoline-powered generators. In Nigeria, gasoline subsidies for households recently ended, which has lessened its attractiveness as a source of power. No immediate incentives were provided for renewables.

On average, a 1% increase in temperatures could reduce continental GDP by 2.2% across Africa, with West Africa expected to face the worst effects. Studies expect that fossil fuel-induced climate change will impact West Africa dramatically, with average temperatures that could increase by 3 to 6°C compared to those of the late 20th century in intermediate and worst case projection scenarios. As a result, precipitation is expected to decrease as incidences of droughts increase, while countries along the coast expect to see increases in sea level, waterborne illnesses, flooding, and coastal erosion.

Increased flooding due to climate change is of massive concern in the region. One study projected changes in flooding at stations across the region, with more than 90% of stations seeing an increase in the magnitude of floods in both the near- and long-term future.

Agriculture is largely informal and/or subsistence, and about 43% of regional employment comes from agriculture. Changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures will create strain on the sector, as well as pastoralism and fishing, all of which worsen livelihoods and potentially lead to increased resource competition, displacement, and armed violence. These patterns are worse in areas where livelihoods are less flexibility, and citizens have fewer options for adapting.

With this reliance on subsistence agriculture, changes in weather patterns can drastically impact food security in the region. Increases in temperatures are expected to reduce crop yields in tropical regions, and agriculture's interannual variability is expected to worsen in West Africa. Additionally, analyses show that food costs across Africa are highly affected by global energy and fuel prices, with disruptions like the Russian invasion of Ukraine halted exports of oil, gas, and wheat, all of which impacted food markets across the continent.

Employment

Across the African continent, current and future job prospects varies dramatically by generation type. West Africa is likely to see decreases in fossil fuel employment across all scenarios, and renewable employment will grow. Most of these jobs will come from the solar sector.

According to World Bank data, unemployment in Western Africa is lower compared to other Sub-Saharan regions. Each country and their unemployment rates from 2024 are: Benin (1.7%), Burkina Faso (5.2%), Côte d'Ivoire (2.3%), The Gambia (6.5%), Ghana (3.0%), Guinea (5.2%), Guinea-Bissau (2.6%), Liberia (2.9%), Mali (3.1%), Niger (0.4%), Nigeria (3.0%), Senegal (3.0%), Sierra Leone (3.1%), and Togo 1.9%). However, these rates do not provide a full picture. Youth unemployment in particular is a growing problem across the continent with recent graduates lacking technical skills required for most industries. The West African youth unemployment rate sits at 24.95%. In 2025, women greatly outweighed men in terms of West Africa's rates of individuals not in employment, education, or training (NEET), with 19.5% of youth NEET being women and 13.8% being men.

Current employment from the fossil fuel sector

Global Energy Monitor's Global Coal Mine Tracker has found that 3,438 workers are employed in mining operations across the region, specifically Niger (263 individuals) and Nigeria (3,175 individuals).

Prospective employment from the renewable energy sector

IRENA estimates that solar energy development, operations, and maintenance could yield 110,000 jobs in West Africa by 2030, with this estimate growing to 560,000 in 2050.

Land availability

Land cover map of Africa, as published by the European Space Agency in 2017. West Africa is dominated by tree cover and croplands, the latter of which could be used in conjunction with solar. The northernmost parts of the region are considered "bare" in that they lie in the Sahara Desert, which is high in wind and solar potential.

West Africa is highly diverse in land cover including desert sands, steppe, short grass savanna, and sudanian savanna. Croplands, particularly for peanut, are prominent and expanding to meet a growing population. Out of the countries featured in this page, Togo, Benin, Chad, and Burkina Faso saw the greatest increases in cropland between 1975 and 2013, now representing about 22.4% of land cover in the region. Alongside this growth has been a decrease in forest cover, with Côte d’Ivoire losing 60% of its cover over the study period, Ghana losing 24%, and Nigeria losing 45%.

With this in mind, solar development in West Africa may focus primarily on the north near and in the Sahara Desert. However, this presents several challenges: 1) panels may become overheated and inefficiently convert light to electricity; 2) drastic temperature fluctuations within a desert setting can damage solar panel materials; and 3) sand, dust, and other particulates may accumulate on the panels.

Civil Society Engagement

West African Green Energy Development Organisation: Youth organization focused on coordinating student and university leadership, as well as providing training to undergraduate and graduate students, to support renewable energy development and green hydrogen technologies across West Africa.

West Africa Green Economic Development Institute: Promotes a low-carbon future for West Africa through research and advocacy, with key partnerships including the Africa Technology Policy Studies Network Kenya, African Union, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (described below), and the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (described in Relevant governmental ministries and political coalitions).

Pan African Climate Justice Alliance: Promotes "pro-poor development and equity-based positions relevant for Africa in the international climate change dialogues, interventions and related processes," with representation from more than 2,000 organizations spanning 54 nations across the continent. These organizations are often grassroots, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous communities, philanthropies, and agricultural groups.

Power Shift Africa: Aims to mobilize climate action across the continent, promote African perspectives through increased domestic and intercontinental media visibility, and creating platforms and resources for African civil society organizations. Ultimately, Power Shift Africa hopes to support Africa reaching 100% renewable energy, in line with the global 1.5°C target.

Green Energy Mission Africa: Works to combat the worst effects of climate change and advance sustainable development by advocating for renewable energy, supportive policy, and climate resilient solutions.

L’Association Interprofessionnelle des Spécialistes des Énergies Renouvelables (Interprofessional Association of Renewable Energy Specialists, AISER-Benin): Nonprofit organization founded under the Ministry of Energy of Benin to support implementation of its national energy policy. In addition, AISER-Benin promotes renewable energy development, related stakeholder capacity-building, and local, regional, and international technical cooperation.

Practical Action: Broadly, Practical Action aims to empower marginalized populations, particularly women and impoverished individuals, and improve quality of life while conserving the environment and natural resources that local communities rely upon. In West Africa, Practical Action provides support to decision-makers and non-governmental bodies to improve energy access through off-grid solar energy systems, as well as building climate resilience in the region.

RES4Africa Foundation: Foundation dedicated to supporting Africa's energy transition and ensuring all populations have access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable sources of power. In addition for advocacy efforts, RES4Africa provides analysis related to energy access, mobilizes clean energy investments, trains individuals and institutions, and supports adoption of sustainable energy solutions.

Energy for Opportunity: Working in Mali, Sierra Leone, and Benin, Energy for Opportunity works to proliferate small-scale solar projects across West Africa. All projects implemented aim to improve public health, education, and livelihoods, as well as improve skills training.

The Gambia River Development Organization: Works to manage the common resources of the Gambia, Kayanga-Géba and Koliba-Corubal river basins, with focus on ecosystem preservation, climate impacts, combating poverty, promoting solidarity, and achieving food self-sufficiency. The Organization is also involved in connecting residents and businesses to clean, affordable, and reliable power.

Development Initiative of West Africa (DIWA): Aims to improve the lives of vulnerable populations in West Africa in the areas of education, peace-building and good governance, preventing gender-based violence, water sanitation and hygiene, orphan care, emergency relief, and socioeconomic support.

CorpsAfrica: Provides youth with volunteer opportunities in rural, often disconnected regions of their home countries as a means of academic learning and professional development. CorpsAfrica runs its Green Initiative that provides volunteer training focused on issues related to climate change and broader climate action. In late 2025, CorpsAfrica signed a memorandum of understanding with PESSSI (a youth-led, renewable-focused company based in The Gambia) to collaborate on increasing access to clean water, renewable power, and community infrastructure.

Multilateral Institution Engagement

The World Bank Group's West African Coastal Areas Management Program works across the region to support coastal resource management and prevention of degradation like erosion, flooding, and pollution. Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Togo, The Gambia, Ghana, and Guinea-Bissau all participate in the program.

The U.N. Development Programme, in conjunction with African Development Bank, RMI, and Global Environment Facility, runs the Africa Minigrids Program across 21 countries to construct 110,000 mini-grids. Burkina Faso and Nigeria are first round entries in the program, while Benin, Mali, and Niger are second round and Liberia is third.

Governmental information

At a continental level, several bodies are working to support Africa's energy transition. One such entity is the African Union Development Agency, which intends to incubate knowledge through research and development, provide program implementation support for member nations, accelerate regional integration, support policy development, foster cooperation, and coordinate across agencies. Strengthening capacity in energy development is one "key area" the Agency aims to support.

The bodies responsible for each nations' energy policy implementation, as well as the policy documents themselves, are listed below:

Government agencies related to the West African Power Pool's energy transition

Country	Relevant Agency	Role
Benin	Electricity Regulatory Authority	Tasked with preparing legislation and regulation for Benin's electricity sector, developing the national electricity supply, protecting consumer interests, and ensuring fair competition.
Burkina Faso	Ministry of Energy	Creates policy intended to improve energy access and promote Burkina Faso's sustainable energy future. Engages in research and development partnerships with local universities. The Ministry is particularly interested in developing Burkina Faso's solar industry.
Côte d'Ivoire	Ministry of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy	Tasked with developing laws, legislation, and regulations pertaining to mines, hydrocarbons, and conventional and renewable energy. The Ministry is also in charge of planning, coordinating, and monitoring Côte d'Ivoire's national energy policy.
	Electricity Sector Regulation National Authority	Monitors compliance, settles disputes, advocates for consumer interests related to Côte d'Ivoire's electricity sector.
	Côte d’Ivoire Energies	State-owned entity that manages the supply and demand, investments, construction, monitoring, and financial health of the electricity sector.
The Gambia	Ministry of Petroleum and Energy	Oversees the utilization of petroleum and energy resources, related employment, sustainable development, and affordability of energy and electricity for residents.
	Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources	Manages the Gambia's natural resources, with eight strategic objectives: 1) promote well-being of citizens through socially responsible integrated environmental management; 2) strengthen evidence-based management of resources and ecosystems; 3) establish and strengthen national protected areas; 4) strengthen institutional capacity in policy and program implementation; 5) strengthen coordination of environmental management at local and national levels; 6) enhance stakeholder participation via public-private partnerships; 7) mobilize finances for implementation; and 8) partner with fellow government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as civil society, private sector actors, and international collaborators on implementation.
Ghana	Ministry of Energy and Green Transition	Primary body overseeing renewable energy development in Ghana and is tasked with developing, coordinating, and implementing policy, as well as supervising activities across relevant sectors. With the renaming of the Ministry to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, it now additionally prioritizes job creation, affordability, energy security, climate resilience, and environmental protection.
	Energy Commission	Regulates the technical aspects of the energy sector, advises the Minister of Energy on matters related to renewables, and fosters public awareness, supply chain development, and technical knowledge development related to renewable rollout.
Guinea	Ministry of Energy and Hydraulics	Tasked with crafting policy to attract investment in Guinea's energy system.
Guinea-Bissau	Ministry of Energy and Industry	Crafts policy and implementation plans supporting Guinea-Bissau's energy and industrial development.
Liberia	Liberia Environmental Protection Agency	Coordinates and implements environmental policy, ensures environmental concerns are included in national planning, and promotes the use of renewable energy and environmentally sound technologies.
	Rural and Renewable Energy Agency	Focuses on leveraging modern energy technologies to support rural commercial development across Liberia.
Mali	Malian Development Agency of Domestic Energy and Rural Electrification	Tasked with controlling domestic energy supply and increasing energy access in rural and peri-urban regions of Mali.
	Agency for Renewable Energy	Promotes and develops renewable energy, specifically wind, solar, and biomass in Mali. The Agency coordinates with domestic and international partners on research and innovation, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.
Niger	Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Renewable Energies	Works to enhance Niger's presence on the global energy commodities stage, particularly through building up Niger's oil & gas export capabilities.
Nigeria	Energy Commission of Nigeria	Promotes sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy development in Nigeria through planning and coordination of national policies.
Senegal	National Agency for Renewable Energies	Promotes the use of renewable energy (including biofuels) in all sectors through policy development, technical studies, regulatory support, and research and development.
	National Energy Conservation Agency	Aims to reduce energy use in buildings, industry, and serves through improved efficiency programs.
Sierra Leone	Ministry of Energy	Creates and implements policies and programs related to energy. Also oversees other regulatory bodies in Sierra Leone, such as the Electricity Generation & Transmission Authority, Electricity Distribution & Supply Agency, and the Electricity & Water Regulatory Commission.
Togo	Togolese Agency for Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy	Implements Togo's rural electrification policies and promotes the installation and enhancement of renewable resources.

Related governmental policies and papers

At a continental level, the African Continental Master Plan, created by the African Union Development Agency, aims to create a long-term strategy for an African Single Electricity Market, which would cover 1.3 billion citizens. The Plan would look at strategies for connecting Africa's existing five power pools: the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), the Eastern African Power Pool (EAPP), and Central African Power Pool (CAPP), the North African Power Pool (COMELEC), and the West African Power Pool. It also allows for coordination across African energy modelers to help "champion the future of African's electricity infrastructure."

At a regional level, ECOWAS policies provide a framework for cross-border coordination for meeting renewable energy targets. The ECOWAS Energy Policy (updated in 2023) which aims to use the energy sector to improve standards of livings and quality of life in the ECOWAS region, as well as modernize energy systems, encourage and increase incidences of energy exchange, and work toward adopted Sustainability Development Goals. Both of these policies build upon foundations established by the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy and ECOWAS Energy Efficiency Policy. ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy (EREP) is designed to help the member states, collectively, reach a 19% renewable (wind and solar) share in the regional electricity mix by 2030, though this target increases to 48% by 2030 with the inclusion of hydropower. These targets attempt to address energy poverty across the region by fostering private sector investment in rural electricity, as well as address energy security and high power generation costs. Passed simultaneously to EREP is the ECOWAS Energy Efficiency Policy (EEEP) aims to establish a "favourable environment for private investments in energy efficiency, and will spur industrial development and employment through reduction of energy bills." Ultimately, the policy aims to phase out incandescent bulbs, reduce electricity losses in distribution to under 10% by 2020¹, achieve universal access to clean cooking, establish an ECOWAS Technical Committee for Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling, create financial instruments for sustainable energy, and implement measures that free 2 GW of power generation capacity. Through targeted investment, the policy aims to also encourage job creation in sectors with high energy demand as well as in the energy efficiency supply chain.

¹In 2022, electricity losses across the region were estimated to be about 9.1%.

Policies, plans, strategies, and roadmaps for individual countries are listed in the (non-comprehensive) table below, excluding legislation and planning that is over ten years old:

Clean energy policies, regulations, and roadmaps in West African Power Pool countries

Country	Policy/Regulation/Roadmap	Year	Summary
Benin	Benin's First Nationally Determined Contribution	2022	Commits Benin to reducing national greenhouse gas emissions by 16.17% by 2030, including a 12.55% conditional contribution and 3.62% unconditional contribution.
	National Renewable Energy Development Policy	2020	Aims to evaluate Benin's technical and realistic renewable energy potential, promote renewable energy technologies, and establish environmental and governmental regulations in support of renewable development. Through this policy, Benin also aims to reduce its dependence on woody biomass.
Burkina Faso	Updated Nationally Determined Contribution	2021	Aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 29.42% by 2030, with the potential of reducing emissions by 30.76% by implementing adaptive measures.
Côte d'Ivoire	Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Côte d'Ivoire	2022	Establishes a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 30.41% (unconditional) by 2030, equivalent to about 37 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. The NDC also establishes a conditional target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 98.95% by 2030, compared to business-as-usual.
The Gambia	Second Nationally Determined Contribution of The Gambia	2021	Establishes a conditional emissions reduction target of 49.7% by 2030.
Ghana	Renewable Energy Master Plan	2019	Represents a USD $5.6 billion investment plan to proliferate renewable energy technologies throughout Ghana between 2019 and 2030. The Plan also aims to improve business conditions for private sector growth and provide training opportunities to increase technical capacity. Successful implementation would achieve an estimated 1,363.63 MW of renewable generating capacity, connected grid systems totaling 1,094.63 MW, creation of 220,000 jobs across the country, and 11 million metric tons of carbon dioxide avoided by 2030.
	Updated Nationally Determined Contribution	2021	Ghana's NDC does not specify emissions reduction or renewable capacity installation targets. However, it does articulate a goal of increase renewable energy penetration by 10% by 2030.
Guinea	Updated Nationally Determined Contribution	2021	Established an unconditional target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors by 17% by 2030, as well as a 49% conditional reduction target.
	National Energy Pact of Guinea	2025	Aims to increase Guineans access to electricity, increase clean cooking access, and achieve 67% renewable energy in the energy mix by 2030.
Guinea-Bissau	Updated Nationally Determined Contribution	2021	Compared to business-as-usual, Guinea-Bissau aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, as well as increase renewable energy's share in the national electricity mix to 58% by 2030.
Liberia	Liberia's Revised Nationally Determined Contribution	2021	Among other sectoral targets, Liberia's updated NDC targets a 40.6% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in energy by 2030, compared to business as usual.
	Liberia National Adaptation Plan 2020-2030	2020	Provides a framework for climate-related informational and technological exchange, building capacity, coordinating sectors for climate management, and encouraging stakeholder participation to best face impacts due to climate change.
Mali	Updated Nationally Determined Contribution	2021	Aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 31% for energy by 2030. The NDC also establishes specific targets for reducing emissions due to land use and forestry, waste, and agriculture.
Niger	Updated Nationally Determined Contribution	2021	Established an unconditional greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 11.20% in the energy sector by 2030. Conditionally, the energy emissions reduction target increases to 48% by 2025.
Nigeria	Third Nationally Determined Contribution	2025	By 2030, Nigeria aims to increase renewable energy's share in the national generation mix to 50%.
	National Climate Change Policy for Nigeria (2021-2030)	2021	Surveys seven themes related to climate change and its impact on Nigeria: 1) opportunity and challenges in reducing emissions across individual sectors; 2) required adaptation strategies for impacts of climate change, particularly extreme weather; 3) integration of climate change into national development processes; 4) established financing mechanisms as a tool in adaptation; 5) opportunities in emerging climate finance mechanisms; 6) role of research, development, and innovation; and 7) the need for good governance.
	Nigeria Energy Transition Plan	2021	Outlines the activities that Nigeria expects to undertake to achieve net neutrality by 2060. The Plan has six core objectives: improve energy access, reduce pooverty, modernize energy services, preserve jobs, streamline legislation, and promote a fair, inclusive, and equitable energy transition in Africa.
Senegal	First Nationally Determined Contribution	2020	Creates an unconditional emissions reduction target of 7% by 2030, as well as a conditional target of 29% in the same time period.
Sierra Leone	Updated Nationally Determined Contribution	2021	Aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10% by 2030 and 25% by 2050.
	Sierra Leone National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan	2013, revised in 2021	Guides implementation of Sierra Leone's NDC. Addresses intersectional challenges related to climate change, including the national economy, public health, resource management, tourism, the role of local governments, gender issues, and the rights of children.
Togo	National Plan for the Reduction of Short-Lived Air and Climate Pollutants in Togo	2019	Among other targets related to transportation, clean cooking, forestry and agriculture, and waste, the Plan establishes a target of increasing renewable energy's share from 42% in 2010 to 70% in 2040.
	Updated Nationally Determined Contribution of Togo	2022	Aims to reduce economy-wide emissions by 20.51% by 2030, compared to business as usual.

In addition to these domestic activities, several initiatives, declarations, and resolutions have been passed in recent years in support of climate action and low-carbon development that span across African countries. These initiatives include:

• Agenda 2063: 50-year plan focused on developing sustainably between 2013 and 2063. Developing renewable energy and associated infrastructure is a tenant of the plan.
• African Single Electricity Market: Aims to connect various power pools across Africa into a singular, comprehensive marketplace for selling and purchasing electricity, resulting in increased security, lower prices, and greater access.
• Continental Power Systems Masterplan (CMP): Long-term roadmap for connecting Africa’s energy systems. The Masterplan is unique in that it was entirely driven by African nations, with collaboration and responsibility shared across participating countries. The CMP also highlights the importance of investing in renewables, as they are the most cost-effective means of addressing Africa’s rapidly growing energy demand.
• African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan: Foundation for Africa’s collaborative efforts on climate action between 2022 and 2032, in line with Agenda 2063. The Plan highlights low-carbon energy and increasing access to clean energy as major goals.
• Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action: Cross-country commitment to collaborate on decarbonizing African (and global) economies, which includes a drastic increase in renewable energy capacity. This Declaration was adopted at the first ever Africa Climate Summit in 2023.

Relevant governmental ministries and political coalitions

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Comprised of Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo, ECOWAS was established to support economic and developmental collaboration across countries to increase collective self-sufficiency. ECOWAS is guided by 17 primary objectives, summarized below:

1. Coordinate national policies related to agriculture and natural resources, energy, trade, economic reform, and other sectors and industries.
2. Coordinate national policies related to protection of the environment.
3. Promote the creation of joint production enterprises.
4. Establish a common market.
5. Liberalize trade by removing tariffs and customs among Member States to create a free trade zone.
6. Adopt a common external tariff and common trade policy.
7. Remove barriers to free travel of people, goods, services, and capital across Member States.
8. Encourage economic unity in the corm of common economic, financial, social, and cultural policies.
9. Adopt regional agreements related to cross-border investments to encourage private sector participation.
10. Create an enabling environment for the support of small and medium sized businesses.
11. Establish a supportive legal environment.
12. Harmonize existing national investment codes, and ultimately create a single Community Investment code.
13. Harmonize standards and measures.
14. Promote balanced and sustainable development across the region, with particular attention paid to the unique challenges facing each Member State.
15. Encourage and strengthen information exchange, particularly across demographic and economic groupings.
16. Create a community population policy to balance demographic and socioeconomic objectives.
17. Establish a fund for cooperation.

ECOWAS published its Vision 2050 in 2022, which guides activities through the first half of the century and builds on its previous previous guidance document, Vision 2020. Given shifting conditions in the region and a growing population, Vision 2050 is more focused on integration of populations to create a "community of people" across borders, all of whom are able to live peacefully and prosperously. Vision 2050 is broken down into four primary pillars: 1) Peace, Security, and Stability, which aims to strengthen regional peace, human security, and conflict resolution; 2) Governance and Rule of Law, which aims to strengthen governance, rule of law, justice, and the promotion of fundamental rights; 3) Economic Integration and Interconnectivity, which aims to accelerate market and financial integration, further develop infrastructure and interconnectivity, and encourage free movement of people, goods, and capital; and 4) Transformation, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development, which aims to promote sustainable economic growth and development, strengthen sustainability and climate change management, leverage human capital and skills development, and encourage human and social development.

ECOWAS also established the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), which aims to proliferate renewable energy and energy efficiency throughout the ECOWAS region. More specifically, ECREEE coordinates projects related to renewable energy deployment, improved energy efficiency, and modernizing energy services and security across Member States. ECREEE also works to build capacity related to program implementation, works to harmonize relevant policy actions, fosters research and development, and mobilizes resources in support of its mission.

Other International Coalitions

In 2021, the Africa-EU Green Energy Initiative initiated with three primary priorities:

• Increase access to affordable, modern, and sustainable energy services
• Support investment in renewable energy generation
• Promote increased energy efficiency

Türkiye has also committed to supporting development across Africa, with one memorandum of understanding signed with The Gambia to support renewable energy. Together, the two nations will develop hydroelectric, solar, and wind projects to advance energy generation and security. Türkiye has signed other MOUs with Ethiopia, Libya, and South Africa.

Similarly, Germany is providing EUR €65 million to Ghana for broad development initiatives, including renewable energy and energy efficiency. The portion of these funds dedicated to energy measures is not specified. Ghana has also partnered with Switzerland on a USD $200 million National Clean Energy Programme to expand solar access for households, small businesses, and industrial customers. The Programme aims to install solar PV on 4,000 rooftop sites, totaling 137 MW. Ghana has also begun collaboration with India on renewable energy development, with a particular focus on how solar and minigrids can advance agricultural and industrial objectives.

Transmission

Map of the West African Power Pool's existing and future network and interconnection points, as published by ECOWAS and WAPP.

Countries in the ECOWAS region are working domestically to increase grid connections in support of universal electrification. In The Gambia, the national government has committed up to USD $500 million to extend connections, which will improve reliability and increase affordability. This grid capacity will likely support greater natural gas generation as opposed to diesel or heavy fuel oil, which have historically been The Gambia's primary fuel.

Current transmission resources

Across the WAPP, available capacity in 2022 totaled 16,133.6 MW, with Nigeria and Ghana having the greatest available capacity and Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and the Gambia having the lowest (12 MW, 73 MW, and 95 MW, respectively).

In total, WAPP has nearly 4,000 kilometers of operating transmission lines, and national grid losses hover around 39% with frequent disruptions.

New transmission needed for renewables

The ECOWAS Master Plan for the Development of Regional Power Generation and Transmission Infrastructure (2019-2033) outlines planned transmission and grid upgrades to support West African countries. By 2033, approximately 22,932 km of high-voltage transmission lines are to be constructed to support 15.49 GW of new power generation, of which 31.1% will be thermal projects (primarily natural gas) and 68.9% will be renewable (wind, solar, and hydropower). An estimated USD $36.39 billion is required for project implementation.

Mini grids may be helpful in reaching rural "last mile" customers across West Africa. In Nigeria alone, 120 renewable-powered mini-grids power an estimated 50,000 households, and universal electrification will require investments in novel technologies like these. Philanthropic and multinational development organization involvement can help reduce financial risks for developers, and some pilot projects, like one funded by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), see residents maintaining ownership shared in the infrastructure.

Social and environmental impacts of new transmission

Endeavors like the 1,303-km Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia-Sierra Leone-Guinea Interconnector project (CLSG), the 228-km Senegal River Basin Development Organization's Transmission Expansion project (OMVS), the Gambia River Basin Development Organization Interconnection project (OMVG), and the 913-km North Core Interconnection Project, benefited 18 million residents across West Africa. The CLSG supported cross-border electricity trade with an estimated 2.8 million beneficiaries. The OMVS transmission project reduced outages by about 30% while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 3 million tons of carbon dioxide and supporting livelihoods of approximately 400,000 workers. The OMVG project has helped Guinea-Bissau transition away from heavy fuel oils and instead import hydroelectric power from Guinea, ultimately serving 2.5 million households and businesses. Finally, the North Core Interconnection Project has supported electricity access for 1.2 million rural beneficiaries in Niger and Burkina Faso.

Permitting

The ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA) is the primary cross-border electricity regulator in West Africa. ERERA works to coordinate energy resource sharing, regulate cross-border electricity exchanges, and set tariff rates while maintaining reliability.

ECOWAS also sets the market procedures for the West African Power Pool. To begin the procedure, any entity which owns or operates transmission infrastructure must apply for admission to the market itself. Entities holding power purchase agreements of bilateral agreements may also apply for admission and acceptance as a Market Participant. The System and Market Operator (SMO) maintains an up-to-date register of all Market Participants, as well as determines application fees for entities interested in becoming Market Participants. Market Participants much meet the following (non-exhaustive) criteria:

• Be a resident of, or have a permanent residency in, any West African Power Pool country
• Be issued relevant national licenses for electricity transmission, distribution, generation, sale, supply, import, or export in any West African Power Pool country. These licenses vary by country.
• Not be immune from suit
• Be capable of being sued in its own name in court
• Have an acceptable credit rating as predefined by the SMO

ERERA works in tandem with each nation's regulatory and licensing agency. In places like Ghana, licenses are needed for:

• Production of electricity
• Production of renewable energy products
• Transportation of renewable energy products
• Storage of renewable energy products
• Distribution of renewable energy products
• Sale and marketing of renewable energy products
• Import and export of renewable energy products
• Construction and maintenance of renewable energy facilities

Ownership

Major owners of current fossil capacity

Several companies (and partnerships of companies) own more than 500 MW of oil & gas and coal, either in-development or currently operating:

• AfricaGlobal Schaffer: 1,800 MW
• Akwa Ibom Investment Corp: 689 MW
• Caleb-Inland Energy Nigeria Ltd: 1,500 MW
• Partnership of General Electric Co, China Machinery Engineering Corp, and NNPC Ltd: 1,250
• Compagnie Minière et Energétique du Niger: 600 MW
• Dangote Industries and subsidiaries: 944.5 MW
• Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria Ltd: 540 MW
• Amperion Power Distribution Co Ltd: 849 MW
• Agura Independent Power Project JV: 720 MW
• Alaoji Generation Company Ltd: 1,068 MW
• Azito Energie SA: 713 MW
• Benin Generation Company Ltd: 706 MW
• Calabar Generation Company Ltd: 1,383 MW
• Caleb-Inland Energy Nigeria Ltd: 1,500 MW
• Egbema Generaion Co Ltd: 507.7 MW
• Egbin Power PLC: 1,320 MW
• Geregu Power PLC: 1,226 MW
• Ibom Power Co Ltd: 689 MW
• Karpowership: 721 MW
• Ministry of Power and Energy (Delta State of Nigeria): 500 MW
• Mosra Enerji Ltd: 600 MW
• NNPC Ltd: 2,300 MW
• Ogorode Generation Co Ltd: 905 MW
• Olorunsogo Generation Company Ltd: 754 MW
• Omotosho Generation Co Ltd: 766 MW
• Proton Energy Ltd: 500 MW
• Sunon Asogli Power Ltd: 560 MW
• Supertek Electric Ltd: 500 MW
• Takoradi Power Co and subsidiaries: 650 MW
• Transcorp Power PLC: 2,063 MW
• Volta River Authority: 542 MW
• West Africa LNG Group: 1,800 MW

Major owners of prospective and operating wind and solar

Wind and solar projects in the West African Power Pool region are much smaller in size, so ownership capacities are smaller as well. Several companies (and partnerships of companies) own more than 200 MW of wind and solar, either in-development or currently operating:

• NEK Umwelttechnik AG: 1,230 MW
• Meinergy Ghana: 1,020 MW
• Niger Delta Power Holding Co.: 960 MW
• NovaWind: 440 MW
• Savannah Energy PLC: 450 MW
• Bui Power Authority (BPA): 375 MW
• Nigeria Sovereign Fund: 300 MW
• Lekela Power: 258 MW
• AMEA Power: 221.6 MW
• ARISE IIP: 390 MW
• PowerChina International: 300 MW
• Solar for Industries (SFI): 1,000 MW
• Volta Solar Park Limited: 1,000 MW

Partnerships:

• Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co. and Infinity: 267 MW
• Upwind International AG; NEK Umwelttechnik AG; Atlantic Group; Lekela Power: 225 MW
• China Gezhouba Group Co Ltd; FalCore Power & Energy: 360 MW
• Sunnyfred Global; B&S Power Holding Pte: 200 MW

Finance

Access to finance is a significant challenge stifling West Africa's energy transition. According to a study by PwC and Masdar, more than USD $540 billion needs to be invested in the power sector by 2050, with approximately USD $230 billion of that sum required for network upgrades and storage infrastructure. Smaller estimates can be found in other resources. For example, the ECOWAS Master Plan for the Development of Regional Power Generation and Transmission Infrastructure (2019-2033) estimates that USD $36.39 billion will be needed for transmission upgrades within the next decade. In 2024, only USD $110 billion was invested across the entirety of Africa, far short of what is needed to achieve both regional and continental goals.

Total estimated costs of NDC implementation across all countries' mitigation and adaptation activities nears USD $430 billion, though Sierra Leone and Guinea lack concrete finance needs estimates.

Potential providers of wind/solar finance

Regional and International Banks

The Central Bank of West Africa States issues financing to members of the West African Monetary Union (which include Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo). The Central Bank issues a currency for exchange across member countries, as well as manages fiscal liquidity as it pertains to monetary policy. While unlikely to provide direct fiscal support, the Central Bank can support member states' negotiations on international financial relationships.

Also regionally focused, the West African Development Bank (BOAD) works to "promote the balanced development of its member states and to achieve economic integration in West Africa" with areas of expertise including energy and natural resources, environment and climate finance, health and education, and infrastructure and the digital economy. BOAD can provide equity investments and bond guarantees, finance short-term operations, finance project feasibility studies, assist small and medium-sized businesses, assist in project promotion and implementation, and contribute financial advice to project developers. BOAD supported PV solar projects in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire in 2023 and 2024.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) operates the Desert to Power initiative, which aims to support 10 GW of solar development in Sahel countries (which include Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal) through private-public partnerships. The initiative works across five areas of intervention:

1. Expanding grid-connected solar generation capacity
2. Strengthen and expand national and regional grids
3. Deploying decentralized energy
4. Improving financial and operational capacities of relevant utilities
5. Strengthen and enable environment for private sector investments

Beyond this initiative, AfDB provides financing to individual countries. For example, the Bank (via its Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa) is providing a EUR €6 million grant to the Electricity Sector Regulatory Authority of Burkina Faso to support an 18-MW solar plant, as well as greater rural electrification and job creation. In Sierra Leone, AfDB has committed USD $500 million for infrastructural development, job creation, and food security, with infrastructure focused on renewable energy generation and increasing electricity access. A 62-MWp solar project in Togo has received a EUR €18.5 million loan from AfDB, with an additional EUR €61 million provided by PROPACO, France's development finance agency focused on private sector engagement. AfDB is also providing USD $7.41 million to Liberia for an hydropower project experiencing cost overruns, as part the country's Renewable Energy for Electrification project. Finance will also support the development of supportive transmission infrastructure and the implementation of the project's Gender Action Plan. Financing was provided through the African Development Fund, which is AfDB's concessional lending vehicle. Furthermore, the African Development Fund has also agreed to finance projects aimed at improving energy access through microgrid deployment, with goals to increase access from 22.5% to 30% by the end of 2026, and private sector competition in Niger. The USD $144.7 million of financing will support improved manufacturing capacities, strengthened public financial management systems, clearance of domestic debts, improved public-private partnerships and dialogue, and promotion of industry and trade.

Finally, the African Energy Bank, while primarily focused on supporting African oil and gas industries, also provides support in facilitating the energy transition and developing renewables throughout the continent. Countries themselves are providing initial capitalization, which reached USD $5 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD $120 billion within three to five years.

Other Regional Funds

Further, the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency has created a USD $75 million fund intended to "de-risk clean energy investments and accelerated West Africa's transition to sustainable power." Financing partners include the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, Global Green Growth Institute, and the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo.

Other International Funds

In support of Côte d’Ivoire's program for universal electricity access, the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Norfund) has issued XOF 60 billion (EUR €91 million) in bonds across three tranches. Co-financing will be provided by the Société Ivoirienne de Banque and the International Finance Corporation.

Similarly, Agence Française de Développement along with the Global energy Alliance for People are jointly providing USD $200,000 for a battery feasibility study in Togo. The study will provide information on a potential 55-MW storage project, a critical tool for improving energy access across Togo.

Just Energy Transition Partnerships

Senegal is the only country in the West African Power Pool region that is a Just Energy Transition Partnership recipient. The Partnership agreement highlights specific challenges that Senegal uniquely faces, specifically high unemployment rates, relatively low access to electricity, cost of power, affordability of industrial development, and Senegal's vulnerability to climate impacts. The International Partners Group, which administers JETPs, has committed to supporting Senegal in:

1. Accelerate development of renewables through mobilized financial support, such as grants, subsidies, concessional loans, guarantees, export credits, and technical assistance.
2. Furthering the development of Senegal's energy strategy through bi- and multilateral support tools like modeling, capacity building, awareness raising, and technology transfer.
3. Securing financial and experiential support from multilateral development banks, the private sector, sovereign wealth funds, and philanthropy.
4. Securing additional financing from multilateral development banks.
5. Ensure that the energy transition is fair, equitable, sustainable, and inclusive.

In total, Senegal's JETP commitment of support totals about EUR 2.5 billion and aims to help Senegal avoid a "gas lock-in" by instead creating a domestic supply of renewable power, ultimately trying to reach 40% renewables in the national energy mix by 2030.

Adding to this total, Senegal's Sovereign Fund for Strategic Investments has launched a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (REEF) to improve energy access and accelerate low-carbon climate solutions. REEF is also supported by Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, the Global Green Growth Institute, and the African Climate Foundation and aims to mobilize EUR €2.5 billion of private finance in three to five years to reach Senegal's goal of 40% renewables by 2030.

The Platform of Civil Society Actors for a Just Energy Transition in Senegal (see Civil Society Engagement) brings together civil society organizations across Senegal to support JETP initiatives, specifically:

1. Promote sustainable energy policy that center the rights of citizens and environmental protections;
2. Ensure that a renewable transition accounts for social, economic, and environmental impacts;
3. Promote stakeholder dialogue;
4. Advocate for climate justice; and
5. Support JETP implementation with a focus on inclusivity, transparency, and fairness.

Other

Country-Specific Funds and Finance

Nigeria has committed to spend USD $410 billion by 2060 to revamp its power system and develop greater renewable capacity. The country has recently reduced electricity subsidies by about 35%, and an estimated USD $400 million has been allocated to enhance local production of solar panels, batteries, and meters. An additional USD $23 is necessary for connecting households currently lacking reliable electricity access. These investments could create 1,500 direct jobs across the country, particularly in clean energy manufacturing.

In Sierra Leone, the Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Acceleration (SOGREA) Initiative was launched by the United Nations Office for Project Services and Sustainable Energy for All. EUR €22 million in seed investment provided by the European Union will be used to spur private sector investment in renewable-powered minigrids in rural Sierra Leone. Investment Support Windows were set up within SOGREA to facilitate financing. In addition to the capital costs of minigrid development, SOGREA investments aim to help make tariffs more affordable for households, with mechanisms in place to ensure compliance and maintain accountability.