ECOWAS Revamps ECOWREX Platform, Strengthen Renewable Energy Data Across West Africa.
By Raymond Enoch
A pivotal step in advancing West Africa’s renewable energy sector was taken on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, with the official opening of the validation workshop for the newly revamped ECOWAS Observatory for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECOWREX) in Cotonou, Benin.
Launched in 2012 by the ECOWAS Energy Ministers in Accra, Ghana, ECOWREX has evolved into a cornerstone for shaping the region’s sustainable energy future. The platform’s primary objective is to support the development of national and regional energy policies by providing quality data, insights, and tools for renewable energy and energy efficiency. With an updated interface, improved ergonomics, and new functionalities, the revamped platform aims to facilitate better data interoperability with regional and continental energy information systems, including those of the African Union, ECOWAS, and UEMOA.
The validation workshop brought together a diverse array of stakeholders including National Energy Data Focal Points from ECOWAS Member States, energy data experts, representatives from the African Union Energy Commission (AFREC), the Energy and Mines Directorate of the ECOWAS Commission, and financial partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and GiZ.
This collaborative event underscores the commitment to enhancing the impact of ECOWREX. Through partnerships and data-sharing, the platform will foster greater regional collaboration, promote sustainable energy market growth, and streamline energy policy formulation across West Africa.
ECOWREX plays a critical role in aligning regional energy strategies with international standards while enabling policymakers to make informed decisions. By increasing access to reliable, real-time energy data, ECOWREX is set to drive the region towards more sustainable energy solutions and foster the transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources.
The event was organized with the support of UNDP’s “Support to Rural Electrification by Renewable Energy Systems in the Liptako-Gourma Region Pilot Phase (ERALG)” Project and GiZ’s “ProMERC” Program, which focuses on promoting climate-friendly electricity markets in West Africa.
As the validation workshop concluded with the path way set for ECOWREX to become an even more indispensable tool in the drive to achieve energy security and sustainability across the ECOWAS region and beyond. The enhanced platform promises to not only support strategic energy planning but also contribute to the broader African renewable energy agenda.
With energy efficiency and renewable energy at the forefront of regional development, ECOWREX is positioned as a powerful resource in shaping a sustainable and resilient energy future for West Africa.
