WAPP plans second phase of regional electricity market

The West African Power Pool (WAPP) has announced plans to launch the second phase of its regional electricity market early next year, following ongoing efforts to enhance cross-border electricity trading and boost power supply across the sub-region. During the 68th meeting of the WAPP Executive Board in Lomé, Togo, Secretary-General Abdoulaye Dia disclosed the plans, emphasizing the importance of strengthening institutional frameworks and operationalizing the independent system and market operator.

Dia highlighted the importance of functional and accounting unbundling, orderly transition processes, and maintaining operational continuity during the second phase. The WAPP secretariat has attracted new partnerships, reaffirming its commitment to developing an integrated, reliable, and competitive regional electricity system. Meeting discussions also focused on the operationalisation of the independent system and market operator, aligning the regional electricity market with best practices, and mitigating political interference as the market evolves.

Chairman Sule Abdulaziz stressed the need for sound legal, institutional, and financial frameworks to protect the interests of WAPP and its members, while ensuring that decisions strengthen the organization's capacity to meet regional energy needs.