ECOWAS Advances Off-Grid Solar Standards in Guinea Build Capacities of Stakeholders for Sustainable Energy Access.
By Raymond Enoch
In a determined effort and move to expand renewable energy solutions in Guinea, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a major initiative aimed at enhancing the adoption and implementation of off-grid solar photovoltaic standards across the region.
A two-day workshop, taking place in the heart of Conakry, has brought together 30 key stakeholders, including representatives from ministries of trade, energy, and national standardization bodies, to engage in the dissemination and promotion of new solar energy standards.
The workshop, which ended today the 26th of March 2025, serves as a critical step in raising awareness of the ECOSTAND IEC TS 62257-9-5 and ECOSTAND IEC TS 62257-9-8 standards, both of which were recently adopted by ECOWAS.
These standards specifically cater to off-grid solar products with a power rating of 350Wp or less, providing a much-needed framework to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of solar products.
“The main goal of this workshop is to equip national stakeholders with the tools and knowledge necessary to popularize these vital standards and integrate them into national energy policies and practices,” said Dr. Mamadou Sylla, a senior ECOWAS energy policy advisor. “With the support of these standards, we can guarantee that off-grid solar products are not only accessible but also reliable and sustainable for communities across the region.”
The timing of the workshop is especially significant for the Republic of Guinea, a country that, like many in West Africa, faces energy challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Off-grid solar energy has become an increasingly popular solution for rural electrification, but the lack of standardized regulations has often led to the proliferation of subpar, unsafe, or inefficient products. By ensuring the effective implementation of these standards, ECOWAS aims to foster a more stable and reliable solar energy market in the region.
Participants at the workshop are expected to engage in robust discussions, collaborate on strategies for implementing the standards at the national level, and explore ways to encourage widespread adoption of solar technologies in Guinea. The ultimate objective is to empower local stakeholders to ensure that off-grid solar products meet the highest industry standards and contribute to the overall goal of sustainable development and energy access.
As the workshop concludes, it is expected that Guinea will take the lead in establishing national frameworks for off-grid solar product regulation, setting an example for other West African nations in the drive for energy independence and sustainability.
ECOWAS’s commitment to strengthening stakeholder capacities and popularizing these standards marks a significant step in the region’s transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy solutions. By harmonizing solar energy standards, the organization hopes to make substantial progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of universal access to affordable and clean energy by 2030.
The future of West Africa’s energy landscape looks brighter as regional cooperation, driven by ECOWAS, lays the foundation for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
