ECOWAS Moves to Boost West Africa Power Supply with China Energy Partnership Talks

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened talks with Energy China International (CEEC) to strengthen regional energy infrastructure and accelerate electricity access across West Africa.

The high-level engagement, held in Abuja, brought together officials from ECOWAS’ Energy and Mines Directorate and representatives of CEEC, alongside key stakeholders from the West African Power Pool (WAPP).

Focus on Regional Power Expansion

Discussions centred on expanding power generation capacity, improving electricity transmission networks, and unlocking financing for large-scale infrastructure projects across the region.

Participants reviewed existing project portfolios, technical capabilities, and funding options aimed at fast-tracking critical energy developments under ECOWAS’ long-term strategy.

Acting Director of Energy and Mines at ECOWAS, William Baidoe, highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve electricity access, including efforts to expand distribution networks and deploy energy storage systems to stabilise supply.

Key Cross-Border Projects in View

Officials also provided updates on flagship projects under the ECOWAS Master Plan for Power Generation and Transmission (2019–2033), which are expected to transform the region’s electricity landscape.

Director of Planning at WAPP, Kodjo Afidegnon, outlined major cross-border interconnection projects, including:

• The CLSG project linking Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea
• The North Core project connecting Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Benin
• The OMVG interconnection covering Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau
• The Medium Backbone project spanning Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire

According to Afidegnon, these projects present significant investment opportunities for global partners and are key to building an integrated regional electricity market.

China Energy Signals Strong Interest

Speaking for CEEC, General Manager Huang Aijun emphasised the company’s expertise in both conventional and renewable energy, as well as grid expansion and power system planning.

He reaffirmed CEEC’s readiness to support ECOWAS initiatives through technical collaboration and access to diverse financing channels.

Drive for Reliable and Sustainable Power

Both parties agreed to deepen engagement and explore concrete areas of collaboration as project assessments continue.

ECOWAS said the move reflects its broader strategy to mobilise investment, strengthen grid reliability, and deliver sustainable energy infrastructure across West Africa—where millions still lack access to stable electricity.

The outcome of the talks could mark a significant step toward closing the region’s energy gap and driving economic growth through improved power supply.