In West Africa, nearly half of the population still lacks access to electricity. Facing this challenge, Sediko Douka, Commissioner for Energy and Mines at ECOWAS, is charting an ambitious path to transform the region’s energy mix. Through renewable energy, solar parks, and grid interconnections, he is putting expertise and action at the service of millions of households.
Sediko Douka, Commissioner for Energy and Mines at ECOWAS, advocates for an ambitious vision for energy in West Africa. He emphasizes the crucial role of renewable energy and energy efficiency in addressing an still unbalanced energy mix. For him, developing solid and viable projects is key to attracting funding and accelerating the energy transition.
“So the challenges today, you know, we are in a period of energy transition. Right now, our energy mix is unbalanced, and the share of renewable energy is minimal. If you exclude, for example, hydropower, everything that is solar, wind, or geothermal is still marginal at this stage.”
Sediko Douka, Commissioner of Energy and Mines at ECOWAS – Burkina Faso
Under his leadership, ECOWAS has established a specialized center based in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, dedicated to renewable energy. He also oversees regional solar parks and support programs for small businesses, particularly in rural areas where access to electricity is very limited. These initiatives aim to boost investment and bring electricity closer to the people.
“Yes, exactly. At the ECOWAS Commission, one of the major achievements has been the creation of a dedicated center for renewable energy and energy efficiency, based in Praia, Cape Verde. Fundamentally, this is because the ECOWAS authorities recognized that renewable energy is extremely important.”
Sediko Douka, Commissioner of Energy and Mines at ECOWAS – Burkina Faso
Douka is leading the master plan for the West African Power Pool (WAPP) 2019–2033, which includes 16,000 km of interconnection lines and 16,000 MW of generation capacity. He emphasizes the importance of energy information systems, such as Nigeria’s, which provide investors with reliable data to develop projects and connect more households to the power grid.
“So currently, you know, at the West African Power Pool, we have a master plan, the 2019–2033 plan, which we are implementing. This master plan involves carrying out electricity generation and transmission projects. The goal is to build 16,000 kilometers of interconnection lines and also to generate up to 16,000 megawatts of power capacity.”
Sediko Douka, Commissioner for Energy and Mines at ECOWAS – Burkina Faso
Through his concrete initiatives, Sediko Douka is turning ECOWAS’s energy vision into tangible results. By promoting renewables, regional interconnections, and support for investors, he is making electricity a true driver of growth, inclusion, and sustainable development in West Africa.
