Africa Energy Forum 2023: Powering Africa's Future
The Africa Energy Forum (AEF) is a prominent event that convenes key decision-makers in the African energy sector. The 25th edition of the AEF took place from 20th to 23rd June 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. The forum serves as a platform for governments, utilities, regulators, development finance institutions, commercial banks, and technology providers to come together, forge partnerships, identify opportunities, and advance the energy industry in the region.
One of the central discussions during the 25th AEF was focused on the establishment of power markets. The East African Power Pool (EAPP) Secretary General, Eng James Wahogo, presented the EAPP’s approach to developing its regional power market in a phased manner. The primary goal is to leverage interconnectors between member countries and promote healthy competition, which, in turn, should lead to lower costs of power supply in the region.
During his presentation, the SG highlighted that the EAPP had completed the conceptual design of the regional power market in 2022. The current focus is on developing the market rules and the trade platform. Once these crucial components are put in place, the centralized power market will become operational.
Furthermore, the EAPP is also working on connecting the region to the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP), which will further expand opportunities for electricity trade and cooperation between different regions in Africa.
These developments will lead to improved energy security, and overall economic growth for the participating nations. The AEF serves as a critical platform for sharing such developments and fostering collaboration within the African energy sector.
