ECOWAS Aims for 48% Renewable Energy Share by 2030

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding renewable energy across West Africa, with a target of increasing the share of renewables in the region’s electricity mix to 48% by 2030.

The target was highlighted during the ongoing delocalised meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Dakar, Senegal, where regional lawmakers and energy stakeholders are discussing strategies to accelerate rural electrification and sustainable energy development.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Acting Director of Energy and Mines, Williams Baidoe, said the bloc remains focused on achieving universal access to reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity by 2030.

According to Baidoe, the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy aims to increase the contribution of renewable energy sources, including large hydropower projects, to nearly half of the region’s electricity supply within the next five years.

He noted that the bloc’s Energy Efficiency Policy is also aimed at significantly reducing electricity losses, which currently range between 35% and 40% due to ageing and inefficient infrastructure across many member states.

“The renewable energy policy aims to raise the share of renewable sources, including large hydropower, to 48 per cent by 2030, while the energy efficiency policy seeks to reduce electricity losses currently estimated at between 35 and 40 per cent due to obsolete infrastructure,” he said.

Baidoe emphasised that improving access to electricity goes beyond powering homes, describing it as a critical driver of economic development, healthcare delivery, education and job creation.

He said ECOWAS continues to work with member states, development partners and private-sector stakeholders to mobilise investment, strengthen technical capacity and expand clean energy markets across the region.

The commission has also introduced several policy initiatives to support its energy transition goals, including updated regional energy policies, gender-responsive energy frameworks and the recently adopted ECOWAS Climate Strategy, which seeks to coordinate climate adaptation and mitigation efforts among member states.

Regional institutions such as the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority, West African Power Pool and West African Gas Pipeline Authority are also playing key roles in strengthening regional energy integration and supporting the development of critical infrastructure.

ECOWAS said recommendations emerging from the Dakar meeting will help shape future actions aimed at accelerating access to electricity, promoting renewable energy deployment and supporting inclusive economic growth across West Africa.