ECOWAS project connects 500,000 people to electricity in West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) provided electricity to nearly 500,000 people across 490 localities in The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali.

This expansion was made possible through the Regional Electricity Access Project, a $225 million initiative funded by the World Bank. The project aimed to improve living conditions and deepen energy integration in underserved communities throughout the region.

Arkadius Koumoin, the Director of Energy and Mines at the ECOWAS Commission, noted that the project faced hurdles such as the COVID-19 pandemic and institutional disruptions during its timeline. He emphasized that the project's success depends on the number of households that maintain reliable access to electricity rather than just the completion of construction tasks. Representatives from The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali committed to finishing any remaining work before the project closes.

Mali specifically requested an extension to complete its outstanding activities. The final steering committee meeting in Abuja serves to decide on the actions needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the new energy connections.