World Bank Aims to Energize West Africa with Expanded Power Trade
The World Bank is setting its sights on bolstering electricity trade throughout West Africa, aiming to maximize the impact of previous infrastructure investments and unlock the region’s energy potential. This initiative follows years of significant financial support for critical power projects designed to create an interconnected regional power grid. The new focus emphasizes streamlining the processes and regulations governing electricity exchange between countries.
Facilitating Cross-Border Electricity Trade
Speaking at a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire on June 27, 2025, World Bank Senior Energy Specialist Maame Taboah Ankor highlighted the institution’s pivotal role in developing the physical infrastructure underpinning the West African power pool. She explained that the World Bank’s strategy is now evolving from infrastructure development to actively promoting electricity trade to leverage these investments fully. This “soft side” of the initiative, as Ankor termed it, involves addressing regulatory hurdles, harmonizing grid operations, and fostering transparent energy markets. For instance, digital technologies and platforms can be used to monitor and facilitate trade, ensuring efficient energy distribution across borders. This approach could also potentially attract further investment into renewable energy sources and smart grid solutions within the region, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient power supply.
The World Bank’s renewed focus on facilitating electricity trade represents a crucial step towards realizing the full benefits of a unified West African power market. By removing barriers and promoting cross-border energy exchange, this initiative promises to enhance energy security, reduce costs, and drive economic growth across the region, creating new opportunities for businesses and communities alike.
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Related Keywords: World Bank, West Africa, power trade, electricity trade, regional power market, energy access, power grid, energy infrastructure, crossborder electricity, WAPP
