The first day of the Salon International des Ressources Extractives et Énergétiques (SIREXE) was marked by the official opening of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF), a flagship event that brought together African leaders around a common goal: to guarantee universal access to electricity by 2030.
"Achieving universal access to electricity by 2030 is a trajectory that motivates us and our partners," said Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, in his opening speech.
Commitments to a fair energy transition
Ministerial delegations from Cape Verde, Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia and Chad took part in the inaugural ceremony, sharing their perspectives and commitments to electrification in West Africa. In a region where almost 50% of the population is still without electricity, the urgent need for a fair and equitable energy transition was unanimously underlined.
Discussions focused on the adoption of renewable solutions to accelerate access to energy in rural and isolated areas, the sustainable financing of energy projects, with a call for more structured public and private investment, and regional cooperation to pool resources and strengthen cross-border infrastructures.
Concrete prospects for a sustainable energy future
The Forum also laid the foundations for concrete solutions, including initiatives to develop public-private partnerships in renewable energies, promote technologies adapted to local contexts, such as solar mini-grids and autonomous systems, and build the capacity of local institutions in energy governance.
The discussions, described as constructive and inspiring, bear witness to the determination of the ECOWAS states to act collectively to transform the West African energy landscape.
A catalyst event for the region
The ESEF, organised as part of SIREXE 2024, is an essential platform for mobilising the necessary resources and coordinating efforts to promote inclusive energy development. The speakers welcomed the forum's role as a lever for accelerating the energy transition while meeting the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
The inaugural day of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum was not only a highlight of SIREXE 2024, but also raised hopes for a future in which access to energy becomes a reality for everyone in West Africa. Discussions will continue throughout the event, with the ambitious aim of translating commitments into concrete actions.