W’Bank boosts electricity supply across West Africa

The World Bank has said its regional power integration and electricity access programme is strengthening electricity supply across West Africa, expanding cross-border power trade, improving utility finances and increasing access to electricity for millions of people. In a results brief released recently, the bank said the West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme is delivering more affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity across the sub-region, with impacts on jobs, gender inclusion and climate outcomes. According to the report, more than 4,000 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines have been constructed to connect the electricity grids of 15 West African countries under the West African Power Pool, enabling cross-border electricity trading. The West African Power Pool covers 15 countries, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. According to the brief, about eight per cent of regional electricity is now traded, moving closer to the European Commission benchmark of 10 to 12 per cent. It said the development has helped reduce costs and improve reliability of supply across member states. The bank also disclosed that more than three million people across Burkina Faso, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and The Gambia gained access to electricity between 2019 and 2025, following transmission and distribution upgrades supported under the programme. It added that the reforms have strengthened the financial positions of utilities in some countries, noting that Guinea-Bissau’s utility moved from a monthly deficit of about $1m to a positive balance, while The Gambia’s NAWEC returned to profitability with about 42 per cent in cost savings. The report further highlighted progress towards a regional electricity market, saying the WAPP and the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority are synchronising interconnected grids and expanding trade. It noted that a new day-ahead market is being introduced to allow utilities to purchase electricity a day in advance at lower cost and reduce outages. “The West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme is delivering more affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity, helping create jobs, empowering women, and reducing climate impacts,” the Bank stated. Related News Customs, W’Bank launch post-clearance audit mission Agency presents new regulatory laws to boost electricity Bring back ECOMOG Providing background on the sector, the