ECOWAS Energy Workshop Ends in Lagos, Emphasized Quality Data for a Stronger Regional Energy Sector.
By Raymond Enoch
The bustling metropolis of Lagos hosted a crucial event for West Africa’s energy future.
The 3rd Annual Workshop on the ECOWAS Energy Information System, is bringing together representatives from across ECOWAS member states, regional energy experts, and key specialized agencies to chart a pathway toward stronger energy data integration and management.
The four day event is organized by ECOWAS agencies such as the West African Power Pool (WAPP), the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), and the ECOWAS Directorate of Energy and Mines, marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges that West Africa faces in gathering and utilizing energy statistics.
The core aim of the event is to enhance the capacity of member states to improve the quality of energy data at both national and regional levels. “By improving data management and integration, we can better understand the availability, usage, and supply of energy across the region, which is critical to addressing the energy challenges we face,” said an official from ECREEE during the opening remarks.
West Africa has long struggled with inconsistent and incomplete energy data, hindering efforts to make informed decisions on energy policy, infrastructure development, and sustainable energy projects. With rapidly growing populations and increasing energy demands, the region’s energy sector is under pressure. Proper energy data integration, experts argue, is the key to unlocking the region’s energy potential, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and fairly across member states.
At the heart of the workshop discussions is a concerted effort to create a seamless system for collecting, managing, and analyzing energy statistics, covering a range of topics from energy production and consumption to access, efficiency, and renewable energy integration. For the ECOWAS region to meet its ambitious energy goals, a cohesive framework for energy data sharing and collaboration is critical.
“Data is power in the energy sector,” said Dr. Aminata Toure, adding that “This workshop is not just about improving numbers and charts. It’s about creating a foundation for actionable insights that can drive better decision-making for our energy future.”
The workshop also serves as a platform for ECOWAS member states to strengthen their partnerships. By bringing together government representatives, technical experts, and energy officials, the event fosters a sense of collaboration, ensuring that solutions to energy challenges are developed with input from multiple stakeholders.
Throughout the four days, participants have engaged in interactive sessions, panel discussions, and hands-on training on best practices for energy data collection and integration. Participant’s also explored how ECOWAS can streamline energy data reporting to meet international standards, ensuring the region is on track to meet its energy access goals.
The workshop laid the groundwork for more informed regional energy policies, where better data leads to smarter investments and more effective energy solutions.
As the workshop ends today, the hope is clear: By enhancing the quality and integration of energy data across the ECOWAS region, member states can better tackle energy access issues, improve infrastructure, and accelerate the shift to sustainable, clean energy sources—ensuring a brighter, more equitable energy future for all West Africans
