- Clean energy transition in West Africa dominated ESEF 2025, with leaders pledging stronger frameworks and partnerships.
- Green hydrogen and clean cooking emerged as priority areas to accelerate regional sustainable energy adoption.
Clean energy transition in West Africa took centre stage at the 10th ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF 2025) in Banjul. The event gathered over 500 participants, including ministers, private sector leaders, diplomats, and development partners. Together, they reaffirmed commitments and set ambitious targets to accelerate regional progress.
The forum also celebrated ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary and the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency’s (ECREEE) 15th anniversary. The event was both historical and strategic. Under the theme “Accelerating Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Solutions for Growth in the ECOWAS Region,” discussions focused on scaling energy access while strengthening clean energy pathways.
Leaders stressed the urgent need to accelerate the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market and underlined the need to advance the West Africa Clean Energy Corridors. They highlighted that innovative financing mechanisms and public-private partnerships were crucial to overcoming persistent challenges in energy infrastructure.
Participants also examined sustainable mobility and electric vehicle adoption. Furthermore, they explored agricultural energy systems, including solar irrigation and hydropower integration. The water-energy-agriculture nexus received special attention, with calls for integrated projects and stronger financing mobilisation.
Clean cooking access dominated high-level discussions. Consequently, stakeholders urged the adoption of affordable business models, expanded carbon finance, and institutional reforms. They emphasised that robust monitoring frameworks and regional data systems were necessary for accountability.
Green hydrogen was described as a transformative opportunity for the region. As a result, immediate demonstration projects, certification systems, and capacity-building initiatives were strongly recommended. These steps aim to establish a competitive hydrogen value chain.
ECREEE’s executive director, Francis Sempore, praised the forum for strengthening regional resolve. He stressed that the ideas and partnerships forged would shape the next chapter of West Africa’s energy revolution.
Gambia’s Permanent Secretary, Lamin Camara, stressed that hosting the event aligned with the spirit of ECOWAS at 50 and ECREEE at 15. He noted that the forum’s outcomes would influence energy policy development across member states.
The forum showcased the region’s forward-thinking approach by integrating green hydrogen with renewable initiatives. Development partners praised the strategic shift towards implementation, positioning West Africa as an attractive destination for sustainable energy investments.
ESEF 2025 concluded with a clear message: the clean energy transition in West Africa has entered an accelerated phase. With new partnerships and practical strategies, regional leaders aim to transform energy access and resilience across the subregion.