ERERA 4th High-Level Technical Working Group Meeting on Strengthening Governance of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market Phase 2, Akosombo 7th – 10th April 2026
The ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority successfully convened the 4th Meeting of the High-Level Technical Working Group (HLTWG) on Strengthening the Governance Structure of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market Phase 2 from 7 to 10 April 2026 in Akosombo.
The strategic meeting brought together senior representatives from key regional institutions and stakeholders, including the Ministries of Energy of Benin and Senegal, SONABEL, the ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS Parliament, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Independent System Operator, Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières, West African Power Pool and consulting firm STANTEC.
The opening session featured remarks by the Secretary General of West African Power Pool and the Chairman of ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority, followed by the constitution of the meeting bureau chaired by Mr. Abba Terrab of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Key Deliberations
The Working Group reviewed the Summary Diagnostic Report on REM Governance Structures – Phase 2 presented by STANTEC. Discussions focused on strengthening the mandates, legal foundations and institutional coordination of the key REM bodies, notably West African Power Pool, the Regional System and Market Operator (RSMO), and ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority.
Participants endorsed an updated roadmap for the establishment of the RSMO as an independent legal entity from the outset, with a phased implementation plan designed to support the commencement of REM Phase 2 operations once its Board of Directors is constituted.
The meeting also agreed on the adoption of a Hybrid Institutional Model for the incorporation of the RSMO and requested the Consultant to revise the draft legal instruments to ensure operational effectiveness, including provisions for the participation of non-ECOWAS countries in the regional electricity market.
Strengthening ERERA’s Institutional Framework
The Working Group further examined options for the evolution of ERERA’s organisational structure and adopted the current Full-Time Independent Council model, with proposed enhancements to deepen the participation of National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) in the decision-making process, strengthen ownership by Member States, and improve implementation effectiveness.
In addition, legal experts from ERERA, the ECOWAS Commission and ECOWAS Parliament were tasked to jointly review and finalise the legal instruments required to reinforce the independence and mandate of REM institutions, while advancing the creation of the RSMO.
Way Forward
The meeting recommended that the Consultant further assess risks associated with the incorporation of the RSMO, identify constraints related to the proposed governance structures, and refine the implementation roadmap to ensure practical and efficient operationalisation.
In closing, participants reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating governance reforms required for the successful implementation of Phase 2 of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market and deeper regional electricity market integration across West Africa.
