Development economics - West Africa looks to create a regional electricity market

West Africa is looking to increase its energy security, by creating a regional electricity market to facilitate regional trade in power.

In doing so, the aim is to provide stronger incentives to increase the supply of power and its energy security going forward.

At present, only around a third of people have direct access to electricity in the region. Giving more people access to power will offer economic opportunities and development for all. Reliable and affordable access to electricity is crucial to supporting economic growth across numerous manufacturing and service industries.