ECOWAS Court of Justice Leads High-Level Visit to Strengthen Regional Electricity Market Coordination, March 9 – 13, 2026
“Strengthening Governance and Legal Certainty of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market (REM)”
The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice led a high-level institutional visit from 9 to 13 March 2026 across Benin and Ghana, aimed at strengthening coordination, institutional coherence, and legal certainty within the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market (REM).
The mission took place within the broader context of the continued development of the REM, which remains a central pillar of regional economic integration and energy security in West Africa. Through increased interconnection of national power systems, expansion of cross-border electricity trade, and the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks, ECOWAS Member States have made significant progress in transforming their electricity sectors.
Within this framework, the West African Power Pool (WAPP) plays a key operational role in coordinating and managing the interconnected regional grid, notably through its Information and Coordination Centre (ICC) in Abomey-Calavi, Benin. At the regulatory level, the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA) oversees the market, ensuring compliance with regional rules, facilitating dispute resolution, and guaranteeing fair and non-discriminatory access to transmission infrastructure.
Strengthening Institutional Dialogue
The visit brought together senior representatives from the ECOWAS Court of Justice, ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS Parliament, ERERA, WAPP, and other key Community institutions. It served as a platform to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen collaboration among judicial, regulatory, and operational bodies involved in the governance of the Regional Electricity Market.
Discussions focused on enhancing coordination mechanisms and aligning institutional roles, particularly in light of the increasing complexity of market operations and regulatory frameworks as the REM transitions toward Phase 2.
Key Engagements in Benin and Ghana
In Benin, the delegation visited the WAPP Secretariat and its ICC in Abomey-Calavi, where technical briefings were delivered on the operation of the interconnected regional grid, including system coordination and cross-border electricity exchanges. The delegation also held discussions with WAPP leadership and paid courtesy visits to national authorities, including the Ministers responsible for Energy, Justice, and Foreign Affairs.
The mission continued in Accra, Ghana, with strategic working sessions at ERERA Headquarters. These sessions addressed the legal and regulatory framework of the REM, market monitoring and compliance mechanisms, and dispute resolution processes. Discussions also covered the governance architecture of REM Phase 2, including the establishment of the Regional System and Market Operator (RSMO).
Courtesy visits were also paid to key Ghanaian authorities, including the Minister of Energy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and the Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission of Ghana.
Enhancing Institutional Coherence and Legal Certainty
Throughout the visit, emphasis was placed on strengthening institutional coherence and improving legal certainty within the Regional Electricity Market. Discussions addressed key issues such as system coordination, access to transmission infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and the management of market-related disputes.
The engagements provided an opportunity for the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice and accompanying officials to gain deeper insight into the operational and regulatory dynamics of the REM, while fostering stronger collaboration among ECOWAS institutions.
Key Outcomes
The visit resulted in:
- Improved understanding of the technical and operational dynamics of the regional electricity system;
- Strengthened coordination among judicial, regulatory, and operational institutions;
- Greater clarity on institutional roles and decision-making processes within the REM framework;
- Reinforced support for the implementation of REM Phase 2;
- Increased confidence in the legal and regulatory environment of the regional electricity market.
- The mission concluded with the validation of a joint communiqué outlining key outcomes and reaffirming the commitment of ECOWAS institutions to advancing regional electricity market integration.
Conclusion
This high-level institutional visit represents an important milestone in reinforcing cooperation among ECOWAS institutions responsible for the governance of the Regional Electricity Market.
By strengthening collaboration between the ECOWAS Court of Justice, ERERA, WAPP, and other stakeholders, the visit has contributed to enhancing institutional alignment, improving the management of market-related issues, and consolidating the legal and regulatory foundations necessary for the effective implementation of REM Phase 2.
Visit to WAPP
Visit to the Ministry of Energy, Republic of Benin
Visit to ERERA Ghana
