The World Bank has highlighted significant advances in West Africa’s regional electricity integration, saying more than 4,000 kilometres of high-voltage transmission infrastructure now connect 15 countries under the West African Power Pool (WAPP), enabling growing cross-border electricity trade and expanding access to power across the region.
The development, according to the Bank, has increased regional electricity trade to about 8 percent of total supply, bringing West Africa closer to international benchmarks of 10–12 percent seen in more mature power markets such as Europe. Officials say the system is improving reliability, lowering electricity costs, and strengthening energy security across participating countries.
Over 3 million people gain electricity access
Between 2019 and 2025, more than 3 million people across Burkina Faso, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia gained access to electricity through upgraded transmission and distribution networks supported by the programme.
The World Bank also reported notable improvements in utility performance, particularly in smaller economies. In Guinea-Bissau, the national utility EAGB reportedly moved from monthly losses of about $1 million to a positive financial position, while The Gambia’s NAWEC returned to profitability after achieving approximately 42 percent cost savings, largely driven by access to lower-cost regional hydropower.
Cross-border transmission lines drive integration
The programme is anchored on several major interconnection projects, including the Côte d’Ivoire–Liberia–Sierra Leone–Guinea (CLSG) line, the Guinea–Guinea-Bissau–The Gambia–Senegal (OMVG) loop, and the Senegal–Mali (OMVS) interconnector.
These transmission corridors are enabling electricity-rich countries such as Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire to export surplus hydropower, while helping deficit countries reduce reliance on expensive fuel-based generation.
The Bank noted that new transmission technologies have also helped extend electricity access to communities located along infrastructure corridors, contributing to rural electrification.
Regional power market set for 2026 launch
A key development in the integration process is the planned introduction of a regional “Day-Ahead Market” in 2026. The system will allow utilities to purchase electricity one day in advance at competitive prices, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of power shortages.
The West African Power Pool (WAPP) and the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA) are also working toward full synchronisation of interconnected national grids to enhance stability and enable smoother power exchanges.
In late 2025, regulators validated tariffs for the new market, while WAPP completed a successful synchronisation trial involving uninterrupted electricity flow across 12 West African countries.
Falling costs and stronger utilities
The World Bank said regional electricity trade is already delivering significant cost reductions for utilities across the sub-region.
In Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia, access to Guinea’s hydropower resources reduced generation costs by more than 40 percent, restoring profitability to both utilities. Liberia and Sierra Leone have also benefited, cutting electricity generation costs by 10–20 percent through imports via the Côte d’Ivoire–Liberia–Sierra Leone–Guinea transmission network.
Senegal similarly recorded reduced costs in parts of its system, particularly in Tambacounda, through imports from the Manantali Hydropower Complex via the OMVS line.
Jobs and social impact expand
The programme has generated more than 52,000 direct and indirect jobs across construction, engineering, logistics, and maintenance linked to major transmission projects such as CLSG and OMVG.
The World Bank said the initiative has improved living standards, expanded opportunities for women-led enterprises, and increased access to essential services such as education and healthcare in newly electrified communities.
Multi-partner development strategy
The initiative is supported by a broad coalition of development partners, including the African Development Bank, European Investment Bank, West African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and Agence Française de Développement.
The World Bank said its approach combines infrastructure expansion with regulatory reforms, market development, and institutional strengthening. This includes standardising power contracts, improving transmission pricing, and strengthening the West African Power Pool’s coordination systems.
Expert view on regional cooperation
High Commissioner of the OMVG, Demba Jallow, described the regional interconnection as a “pillar of sub-regional cooperation,” noting that it pools resources across four countries and three river basins to ensure a stable and affordable electricity supply.
He added that the system strengthens the financial viability of national utilities while supporting broader socioeconomic development.
Next phase: deeper integration and market expansion
Looking ahead, the World Bank said the programme will focus on expanding cross-border electricity trade, improving financial sustainability of utilities, and advancing universal electricity access under the Mission 300 initiative.
Plans include establishing a liquidity support mechanism to ensure timely payments within the regional market and continuing reforms to strengthen the financial health of power utilities.
New interconnector projects are also being prepared to deepen regional connectivity and accelerate the development of a fully integrated West African electricity market aimed at supporting industrial growth, job creation, and long-term energy security.
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