The West African Power Pool (WAPP) is targeting early 2027 for the launch of the second phase of its regional electricity market as the organisation intensifies efforts to strengthen cross-border power trading, improve system coordination and build a more reliable electricity network across West Africa.
The planned expansion is expected to advance regional electricity integration by improving coordination among participating countries, strengthening market governance and creating conditions for more efficient power exchanges across national borders.
The Secretary-General of WAPP, Abdoulaye Dia, disclosed the timeline at the organisation’s 68th Executive Board meeting held recently in Lomé, Togo, according to a statement issued by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Dia said the organisation had continued to implement guidelines aimed at strengthening its institutions and progressively operationalising the independent system and market operator, a key component of the evolving regional electricity market.
He explained that the process involved functional and accounting unbundling, alongside an orderly transition designed to preserve operational continuity at the WAPP Information and Coordination Centre as the second phase of the market approaches.
According to him, the progress recorded by the regional power pool and its growing visibility have attracted new partnerships, reinforcing the secretariat’s commitment to developing an integrated, reliable and competitive electricity system for the sub-region.
The meeting also examined a restructuring study on the operationalisation of the independent system and market operator. The study is intended to align the regional market with international best practices, strengthen institutional independence and reduce the risk of political interference as electricity trading expands.
Speaking at the meeting, WAPP Executive Board Chairman, Sule Abdulaziz, emphasised the need for sound legal, institutional and financial arrangements to support the implementation of earlier decisions on the proposed independent system and market operator.
Abdulaziz, who was unanimously re-elected chairman for another three-year term, said the board must ensure that its decisions strengthen the organisation’s ability to respond effectively to the region’s growing energy needs.
He recalled that the board’s 67th meeting had approved guiding principles for the gradual establishment of the independent system and market operator, while retaining the WAPP Information and Coordination Centre’s transitional role to ensure uninterrupted operations.
On the technical requirements for the expanded electricity market, Abdulaziz identified network synchronisation as a significant achievement that must be supported by coordinated system operations, appropriate security arrangements and adequate market readiness among participating utilities and other stakeholders.
He stressed that the regional market’s long-term success would depend on transparent operating rules, dependable data, credible financial mechanisms and effective independent governance.
Beyond operational reforms, the chairman called on member utilities to meet their financial obligations, warning that regular statutory contributions were essential to the organisation’s independence and ability to discharge its responsibilities.
“Statutory contributions are not a formality; they are the basis of WAPP’s autonomy and capacity to act,” he said.
He urged utilities with outstanding obligations to settle their contributions, adding that the secretariat would continue to pursue cost-reduction measures without compromising critical functions.
The board also reviewed the status of member contributions and WAPP’s 2025 financial statements. Dia reiterated that consistent funding, prudent financial management and collective discipline were necessary to sustain the organisation’s credibility and improve service delivery.
In a separate development, the board adopted the Charter of the Forum for Women in Energy in West Africa, alongside a memorandum of understanding with the Millennium Challenge Account Ivory Coast.
The meeting further considered membership applications from four utilities seeking to join the regional power pool, reflecting continued interest in strengthening participation in West Africa’s electricity market.
The applicants are Konexa of Nigeria; Société de Gestion de l’Énergie de Sambangalou et du Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (SOGESART) of Senegal; Société de Gestion de l’Énergie des Ouvrages du Haut Bassin du Fleuve Sénégal (SOGEOH); and HOLDEN-Niger SARL, an independent power producer from Niger.
The applications are expected to be ratified at the WAPP General Assembly scheduled to take place before the end of 2026.
The board also welcomed new representatives of member utilities, including Lawrent Tossou, Managing Director of Société Béninoise d’Énergie Électrique, representing Benin; Amidou Traore, Director General of CI-ENERGIES; and Julien Sagna, representing Société de Gestion de l’Énergie de Manantali.
As preparations continue for the planned market expansion, WAPP’s priorities remain focused on strengthening institutional governance, securing sustainable funding and ensuring that participating utilities are technically and financially prepared for deeper regional electricity trading.
The success of the second phase will depend not only on the establishment of the required market structures but also on sustained cooperation among member countries, effective system coordination and adherence to common operating rules.