West Africa’s Energy Regulators Unite to Advance Regional Integration at ERERA’s 10th Forum
Cotonou, Benin — The ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA) convened its 10th Forum on Regional Electricity Regulation from October 23–24, 2025, in Cotonou, Benin, under the theme “Regional energy cooperation in West Africa: current dynamics and integration prospects.” The event drew nearly 200 participants, including national regulators, system operators, energy ministries, regional organisations, and development partners, marking a decisive moment in the evolution of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market (REM).
Forum Focus: Integration, Resilience, and Reform
The Forum spotlighted the operationalisation of the Day-Ahead Market and the broader transition to Phase 2 of the REM. Discussions were structured around five plenary sessions addressing infrastructure, geopolitical shifts, regulatory risk, cybersecurity, and legal harmonisation.
One of the most pressing concerns raised during the Forum was the insufficient interconnected infrastructure across the region. Despite progress on several interconnection projects, gaps in physical connectivity continue to hinder seamless electricity trade and limit the full operationalisation of the Regional Electricity Market (REM). Participants emphasised the urgency of completing priority projects to unlock the market’s potential.
Another major challenge is the lack of regional financial compensation mechanisms. Without clear and functional systems to manage payments for cross-border electricity flows, countries risk trade imbalances and disputes. Stakeholders called for transparent, equitable frameworks to ensure that all parties are fairly compensated for grid usage and energy exchanges.
The slow pace of national transposition of regional regulatory texts was also flagged as a bottleneck. While ERERA has developed comprehensive guidelines and codes, many Member States have yet to integrate these into their domestic legal frameworks. This delay undermines regulatory coherence and creates uncertainty for operators and investors.
Weak coordination between national institutions and electricity operators further complicates regional integration efforts. Participants noted that fragmented communication and misaligned priorities often lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for collaboration. Strengthening institutional linkages and fostering joint planning were recommended as key remedies.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities emerged as a growing threat in the context of accelerated digitalisation. As electricity networks become more interconnected and reliant on digital tools, the risk of cyberattacks increases. Forum delegates stressed the need for a regional cybersecurity strategy to protect infrastructure and sensitive data, and to ensure market continuity.
Finally, the absence of robust regional dispute settlement mechanisms was highlighted as a critical gap. With increasing cross-border transactions, the potential for disagreements rises, yet there is no dedicated system to mediate and resolve conflicts swiftly. Participants advocated for the establishment of a regional early warning and mediation platform under ERERA’s leadership to safeguard market stability.
The Forum concluded with a four-pronged action plan:
Axis 1: Physical and Commercial Integration
- Finalize priority interconnections and synchronize regional grids
- Expand cross-border electricity trade and accelerate Phase 2 of the REM
Axis 2: Geopolitical and Institutional Resilience
- Reaffirm ECOWAS’s founding vision and promote inclusive dialogue
- Preserve technical neutrality and energy solidarity despite political shifts
Axis 3: Regulatory Harmonisation
- Develop a regional dashboard to track legal transpositions
- Support Member States in aligning national frameworks
- Launch annual ECOWAS–State dialogues on regulatory reform
Axis 4: Cybersecurity and Digitalisation
- Establish a regional cybersecurity coordination framework
- Strengthen digital capacities and promote interoperability of market tools
By endorsing these recommendations, stakeholders aim to fortify the REM’s legal and technical foundations, enhance energy security, and drive inclusive economic growth across West Africa. ERERA was tasked with leading coordination efforts and supporting Member States in implementing reforms that will shape a resilient, transparent, and integrated regional electricity market.
