ECOWAS Targets 48% Renewable Energy Share by 2030 

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has set a target to raise renewable energy to 48 percent of the region’s electricity mix by 2030.

The plan forms part of the regional bloc’s broader effort to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across West Africa, especially in rural communities where power supply remains weak or unavailable.

The target was disclosed during the opening of a delocalised meeting of the Joint Committee of the ECOWAS Parliament on Energy and Mines, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources in Dakar, Senegal.

What ECOWAS Wants to Achieve

Speaking at the event, the Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Hon. Abdou Kolley, said the Commission is working towards universal access to electricity for all communities in the region.

Kolley, who was represented by Mr Williams Baidoe, Acting Director of Energy and Mines, said the goal is not only to provide light to homes but to use electricity as a driver of economic development.

According to him, access to power should support small businesses, improve healthcare services, strengthen education, and open new opportunities for rural communities.

He said ECOWAS wants electricity to become a tool for empowerment, not just basic household consumption.

Renewable Energy Target Includes Hydropower

Kolley explained that the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy is designed to increase the contribution of renewable sources, including large hydropower, to 48 percent of the regional electricity mix by 2030.

This is part of a wider energy transition plan aimed at reducing dependence on unstable power systems and promoting cleaner sources of electricity across member states.

The Commission is also relying on its updated energy policy framework to guide reforms and investment in the sector.

These frameworks include the updated ECOWAS Energy Policy, the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy, and the ECOWAS Energy Efficiency Policy.

ECOWAS Moves to Cut Electricity Losses

Beyond renewable energy, ECOWAS is also seeking to reduce electricity losses across the region.

Kolley said electricity losses in West Africa are currently estimated at between 35 and 40 percent, largely due to ageing and obsolete infrastructure.

These losses affect supply reliability, increase costs, and weaken the ability of utilities to serve homes, businesses, and public institutions.

The ECOWAS Energy Efficiency Policy is expected to help member states address these gaps by improving infrastructure, reducing waste, and promoting better electricity management.

Climate Strategy to Support Member States

The ECOWAS Commission also pointed to its recently adopted Climate Strategy as another major step in aligning the region’s energy future with climate action.

Kolley said the strategy would help member states harmonise their efforts in dealing with climate change through adaptation and mitigation measures.

This means countries in the region are expected to work more closely on clean energy, environmental protection, and climate-resilient development.

Key Institutions Driving the Plan

ECOWAS said several regional institutions are already working to support energy integration and clean power development across West Africa.

These include the Energy and Mines Directorate, the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, ECREEE, the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority, ERERA, the West African Power Pool, WAPP, and the West African Gas Pipeline Authority, WAGPA.

Together, these institutions are expected to strengthen regional coordination, improve cross-border electricity trade, and support the infrastructure needed to deliver affordable and sustainable energy services.

Why Rural Electrification Matters

For ECOWAS, rural electrification is central to the region’s development agenda.

Millions of people across West Africa still live in communities where access to electricity is limited, unreliable, or completely absent. This affects education, healthcare, farming, food processing, digital access, and local enterprise.

Kolley said electricity access should be treated as a development enabler. With reliable power, rural economies can grow through agro-processing, cold storage, small-scale manufacturing, digital services, and improved public services.

He also urged citizens to protect energy infrastructure, avoid illegal connections, and use electricity productively to support local economies.

ECOWAS Seeks Funding and Partnerships

The Commission said it is working with member states, technical partners, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to mobilise resources for the region’s clean energy transition.

Kolley said ECOWAS is also focused on strengthening capacity and promoting clean energy markets across the region.

This approach is expected to attract investment, support local energy solutions, and help West African countries close the electricity access gap.