Within the framework of implementing the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Project in West Africa (ECOWAS-REAP), financed by the World Bank, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, met with the World Bank task team for the project in Abuja on July 24, 2024. The team, led by Mrs. Elise Massan Akitani, Senior Energy Specialist, discussed with President Touray the state of implementation of the first phase of ECOWAS-REAP, which aims to increase access to electricity in Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and The Gambia with a total funding of $225 million.
Attendees included World Bank Co-Team Leader for ECOWAS-REAP Adowa Asantewa; former Minister of Energy from Peru and Consultant for the Project Pedro Sanchez; Honourable Mambury Njie, Special Advisor to the ECOWAS President on Economic and Financial Integration; Director of Energy and Mines at ECOWAS Commission Mr. Bayaorinbe Dabire; and Director of External Affairs at ECOWAS Commission Mr. Kouassi Jerome Boa.
In her remarks, Ms. Akitani commended President Touray and the ECOWAS project team for their ongoing efforts towards ensuring successful project implementation.
“We have come to brief the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E Omar Alieu TOURAY on the status of implementation of World Bank-funded ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Project for West Africa at the country level,” Ms. Akitani said. “Currently, we have two projects: one is the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Project for $225 million and another is the Regional Electricity Access and Battery Energy Storage Project for $465 million.”
Responding to Ms. Akitani’s remarks, President Touray expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its partnership and support.
“I want to express our appreciation to the World Bank for their good work they are doing for our Community,” he said. He also solicited support from the World Bank regarding ongoing efforts by ECOWAS to restore some member countries back into active participation within the community.
Initiated in 2018 by both entities as part of a series aimed at increasing electricity access in West Africa, this program builds on an existing master plan designed to meet short- and medium-term energy needs within member states.
The first phase covers Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali with three main components: design supply installation (DSI) infrastructure development; supervision construction advisory services; coordination technical assistance facilitated through a regional unit underlined within each respective nation involved.
###
Alerts Sign-up