The day-long convergence united government officials, international organisations, private sector leaders, academics, civil society actors, investors, and energy experts in meaningful discussions aimed at strengthening and expanding the region’s energy sector. Themed “Accelerating Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Solutions for Growth in the ECOWAS Region,” this year’s edition built on the successes of previous forums and addressed pressing energy challenges facing the sub region.
Discussions centred on advancing sustainable energy goals, unlocking investment opportunities, and strengthening policy partnerships. The agenda featured thematic sessions on smart mini-grid solutions, off-grid solar systems, renewable-integrated electricity markets, and innovative energy transition pathways including green hydrogen and clean cooking technologies.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice President of The Republic of The Gambia, Muhammad B.S. Jallow, underscored the significance of the forum in unlocking viable investment prospects across West Africa’s renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors.
He highlighted The Gambia’s recent milestone of connecting to the subregional power grid shared with Senegal, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, an achievement that has enhanced electricity stability, improved access to affordable power, and strengthened energy security.
Mrs Violeta Insa Sandoval, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Spain to The Gambia, reaffirmed Spain’s long-standing partnership with ECOWAS and emphasised the importance of accelerating clean energy deployment. She noted that regional cooperation is key to scaling up smart mini-grid solutions, off-grid solar systems, and renewable-integrated electricity markets.
The forum also featured insights from prominent experts, including Mr William Zheng, Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Gambia. He highlighted Huawei’s contributions to energy innovation and shared global perspectives on using technology to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency across industries.
ESEF continues to serve as a premier platform for improving the policy and regulatory landscape for private sector investment. It facilitates engagement between ECOWAS policymakers, regional and international investors, and financial institutions to catalyse sustainable energy development.
Despite west Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, estimated at 2,000 gigawatts, the region faces significant energy access challenges. According to World Bank data, approximately 220 million people in the region still lack access to electricity. The forum reaffirmed the urgent need to harness abundant solar and wind resources to close the energy gap and accelerate the transition to clean, inclusive, and resilient energy systems.
