Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia will host the 10th edition of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF) next week, bringing together over 500 regional and international stakeholders to accelerate renewable energy development in West Africa.
The two-day event, scheduled for September 18–19 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Banjul, is organized by the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) in partnership with The Gambia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.
West Africa faces major energy access challenges, with nearly 220 million people still living without electricity, according to World Bank data. Despite abundant solar and wind resources with an estimated renewable potential of 2,000 gigawatts, the region continues to have some of the lowest electrification rates globally.
Government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and international experts are expected to discuss strategies to achieve ECOWAS’s renewable energy goal of raising the share of clean energy in the region’s electricity mix to 48 percent by 2030. Current levels remain well below that target.
Forum organizers highlighted five core objectives, including advancing sustainable energy goals, unlocking investment opportunities, and strengthening policy partnerships. Discussions will cover topics such as smart mini-grids, off-grid solar systems, renewable-integrated power markets, green hydrogen, clean cooking technologies, and energy-water-food nexus solutions. Gender-inclusive energy access will also be a priority.
Since its launch in 2016, ESEF has grown into West Africa’s premier platform for driving energy transformation, attracting ministers, CEOs, development partners, financiers, and private sector leaders. Past editions have facilitated concrete investment progress across the region.
Momentum is building around regional cooperation, with the World Bank currently backing a $1.6 billion multiphase West Africa Regional Electricity Market Program designed to expand access for households, businesses, and industries while enhancing regional power trade.
This year’s gathering in Banjul is expected to reinforce commitments, foster cross-border partnerships, and attract private sector investment to accelerate West Africa’s sustainable energy transition.
