- The Africa Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) aims to connect all African power utilities into one integrated grid by 2040.
- Through the AfSEM framework, African power utilities will promote clean energy trade and strengthen continental energy security.
Power utility leaders from across Africa gathered at the 21st Congress of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA) to accelerate progress on the Africa Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) framework. This bold initiative seeks to build a unified continental power grid by 2040 and ensure a more sustainable energy future.
During the congress, discussions focused on reshaping Africa’s energy landscape through cross-border electricity trade, policy harmonisation, and sustainable investment. Moreover, delegates highlighted the urgent need for stronger partnerships and consistent action to transform policy ideas into tangible outcomes.
Importantly, AfSEM aims to connect Africa’s five regional power pools under a Continental Master Plan (CMP). This plan seeks to merge national grids into a single, competitive electricity market that delivers stable and affordable energy. As a result, it will help reduce regional disparities in energy access while promoting economic growth.
“Between 2030 and 2040, we need to start linking power pools,” said Abel Didier Tella, Director General of APUA. He emphasised that Africa must move swiftly from planning to implementation. Likewise, Stephen Dihwa, Executive Director of the Southern African Power Pool, noted that tangible progress is underway. “Tanzania and Zambia will soon be connected, a crucial step towards trading electricity across Africa,” he explained.
Furthermore, the AfSEM framework aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and interconnected continent. Endorsed by AU Heads of State in 2021, the initiative also enjoys strong backing from the European Union and regional energy bodies.
According to Shehu Ibrahim Khaleel, AfSEM Coordinator, Phase III of the CMP has been completed. This achievement provides Africa’s first fully harmonised continental investment blueprint, identifying strategic interconnection corridors. These projects could generate over $136 billion in annual electricity trade by 2040.
In addition, Henry Paul Batchi of the African Development Bank emphasised that transparency, sustainable financing, and policy alignment with climate goals remain vital for long-term success. Therefore, collaboration among African nations, financial institutions, and private investors will be essential to drive this transformation.
As Africa deepens its energy cooperation, AfSEM offers a clear opportunity to expand electricity access, improve grid reliability, and accelerate industrial development. Moreover, this unified grid vision supports the continent’s broader green transition and enhances energy resilience.
Ultimately, the African power utilities’ continental grid vision symbolises unity, innovation, and progress. With continued collaboration and shared commitment, Africa can achieve a cleaner, more connected, and sustainable energy future for generations to come.