Cameroon Powers Up: ECOWAS ROGEAP Boosts Off-Grid Solar Standards.
By Raymond Enoch
In a significant push toward sustainable energy, the ECOWAS Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) has advanced its mission in Cameroon by organizing a two-day workshop on off-grid solar photovoltaic standards. Held in Yaoundé from May 26 to 27, the event brought together 30 key participants from Cameroon’s energy, trade, and industrial sectors.
The primary aim of the workshop was to train stakeholders on the application of two key standards – ECOSTAND IEC TS 62257-9-5 and ECOSTAND IEC TS 62257-9-8 – which govern the quality and testing of solar PV products of 350Wp or less. These standards are crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and consumer trust in off-grid solar technologies across the region.
Attendees included representatives from government ministries, standards agencies, rural electrification authorities, private sector companies, and consumer advocacy groups. The sessions equipped them with the knowledge to implement the standards, conduct product conformity assessments, and inform broader national and public awareness efforts.
“We are grateful to ECOWAS for their continued support in helping Cameroon align with regional standards,” said a representative from the Ministry of Trade. “We are committed to disseminating these standards nationwide.”
The initiative forms part of a broader regional effort under ROGEAP, a project jointly funded by the World Bank, the Clean Technology Fund, and the Government of the Netherlands. Covering 19 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the project is implemented by the ECOWAS Commission through its Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation.
Following the Yaoundé session, the standards caravan moves to Douala for a follow-up workshop from May 29 to 30, furthering the campaign to enhance access to clean, reliable, and standardized solar energy solutions.
