The World Bank reports that its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme has significantly expanded cross-border electricity trade, improved utility finances, and increased access for millions, contributing to more affordable, reliable, and sustainable power across the sub-region.
The World Bank has announced significant progress in its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme, which is enhancing electricity supply, expanding cross-border power trade, improving utility finances , and increasing access for millions across the sub-region.
According to a recent results brief, the initiative is delivering more affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity, with positive impacts on job creation, gender inclusion, and climate outcomes. Key infrastructure achievements include the construction of over 4,000 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines that have interconnected the electricity grids of 15 West African countries under the West African Power Pool (WAPP).
This network now facilitates cross-border electricity trading, with approximately eight percent of regional electricity being traded, approaching the European Commission benchmark of 10 to 12 percent. The expanded trade has contributed to lower costs and improved supply reliability. The programme has also directly increased electricity access, with more than three million people in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia gaining connections between 2019 and 2025, thanks to transmission and distribution upgrades.
Utility finances have been strengthened, exemplified by Guinea-Bissau's utility shifting from a monthly deficit of about $1 million to a positive balance, and The Gambia's NAWEC returning to profitability with around 42 percent in cost savings. Progress toward a regional electricity market continues, with WAPP and the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority synchronizing grids and preparing to launch a new day-ahead market. This market will allow utilities to purchase electricity a day in advance at lower costs, helping reduce outages.
A World Bank statement emphasized that the program is creating jobs, empowering women, and reducing climate impacts. Historically, West Africa faced challenges including low access, unreliable supply, aging generation assets, and weak utility finances, with over half the population lacking power. The programme adopts a regional approach with partners like the African Development Bank, European Investment Bank, West African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and Agence Française de Développement to finance major interconnection projects.
Notable projects include the Ivory Coast-Liberia-Sierra Leone-Guinea transmission line, the Guinea-Guinea-Bissau-The Gambia-Senegal loop, and the Senegal-Mali interconnector. Innovative shield-wire technology on these lines has enabled electrification of nearby communities, while last-mile connections are supported through regional access and battery energy storage projects.
Demba Jallow, High Commissioner of the Organisation for the Development of the Gambia River Basin, praised the Gambia-Senegal interconnection as a pillar of integration, pooling resources from four countries and three river basins to provide secure, affordable electricity, strengthen utility viability, and support socio-economic development. The programme has generated over 52,000 direct and indirect jobs through construction and operations across engineering, logistics, project management, and maintenance.
Lessons indicate regional integration reduces generation costs and improves utility performance, with several countries achieving savings through hydropower imports. Future phases will focus on expanding cross-border trade, completing grid synchronization, and launching the Day-Ahead Market to deepen electricity exchange. Additional financing mechanisms, including a liquidity enhancement revolving fund, will improve payment reliability among utilities and support reforms aimed at achieving universal electricity access across West Africa
World Bank West Africa Power Integration Electricity Access Regional Grid Transmission Lines Utility Finances Cross-Border Trade Day-Ahead Market Jobs Gender Inclusion Climate
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