ESEF2025: Stakeholders Converge on Banjul, Charts A Regional Energy Efficiency Roadmap.
By Raymond Enoch
The 10th edition of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF 2025) officially opened its doors today at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, heralding a new chapter in West Africa’s pursuit of clean energy transformation. Gathering policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, and civil society, the forum serves as a crucial platform to fast-track sustainable energy infrastructure aimed at driving economic growth across the ECOWAS region.
In a keynote address that set the tone for the event, His Excellency Muhammed B.S. Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia, underscored the country’s commitment to renewable energy, describing it as a cornerstone of national development. “It is an honor for The Gambia to host this milestone event, marking a decade of collaborative efforts and achievements in renewable energy,” he declared as he officially opened the forum.
The event, organized by the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) in partnership with The Gambia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, revolves around the theme “Accelerating Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Solutions for Growth in the ECOWAS Region.” This theme reflects the region’s ambitious vision to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while expanding clean energy access.
Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines Hon. Sir Nani Juwara welcomed the delegates, praising ECREEE’s leadership in steering the region towards a greener future. Meanwhile, ECREEE Executive Director Francis Sempore highlighted the remarkable growth of grid-connected solar power—from a mere 5 megawatts in 2010 to nearly 1 gigawatt today, with an eye on reaching 5 gigawatts by 2030. He also noted progress in mini-grid expansions and capacity building through ECOWAS’s certification systems, while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as technology transfer and clean cooking access.
The private sector was well represented, with Mr. William Zheng, Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Gambia, emphasizing the forum’s role in driving technological innovation for expanded electricity access. Huawei’s global clean energy achievements reinforce the region’s ambition to harness affordable and sustainable solutions.
International partners also voiced their support. Mrs. Violeta Insa Sandoval, Chargé d’Affaires of the Spanish Embassy, lauded the forum’s role in accelerating universal sustainable energy access and reiterated Spain’s ongoing commitment to the ECOWAS energy agenda.
Day One witnessed vibrant discussions including a ministerial dialogue featuring energy chiefs from The Gambia, Cabo Verde, and Sierra Leone focused on scaling up infrastructure. Sessions also tackled the pressing issues of energy efficiency, with leaders from ECREEE and its African counterparts emphasizing its potential to alleviate energy poverty, and clean cooking solutions highlighting the intersections of health, environment, and gender.
As ESEF 2025 continues, delegates prepare to explore innovative pathways to power food systems, sustainable transport, off-grid entrepreneurship, and the promising ECOWAS Green Hydrogen Strategy—signaling a robust and collaborative push towards a sustainable energy future in West Africa.
