Regional Off-Gird Electricity Access Projext (ROGEAP) : ECOWAS-Led Workshop, Sets Stage for Safer, Smarter Solar Energy Access.
By Raymond Enoch.
In a decisive move toward strengthening its renewable energy landscape, The Gambia has taken a major step forward in adopting regional standards for off-grid solar products. The effort was marked by a two-day national workshop, held from September 16–17, 2025, in Banjul, bringing together top government officials, private sector stakeholders, and international partners under the umbrella of the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP).
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, the workshop focused on aligning The Gambia with two internationally recognized IEC standards for off-grid solar photovoltaic products up to 350Wp. These standards, adopted by the ECOWAS Commission in 2023, are designed to ensure product quality, safety, and durability—critical elements in protecting consumers and supporting a robust off-grid energy market.
Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission President, Madam Miata French, ECOWAS Permanent Representative to The Gambia, emphasized the importance of harmonized solar product standards across West Africa. She lauded the workshop as a key component of ROGEAP’s mission to provide reliable and sustainable energy access to underserved communities in the region.
“Implementing these standards is not just a regulatory move—it is a developmental milestone,” said Madam French. “With funding from the World Bank, Clean Technology Fund, and the Netherlands’ DGIS, ROGEAP is enabling our member states to leap forward in clean energy access.”
French expressed confidence that the workshop’s outcomes would be pivotal in helping The Gambia move from policy to action, thanks to the technical assistance and capacity-building it provides.
Opening the workshop officially, Kemo Cessay, Director of Energy at the Ministry, highlighted The Gambia’s commitment to improving off-grid energy services for rural and peri-urban communities.
“These standards were developed for the region, but it is at the national level where real impact will be felt,” Cessay stated. “This workshop follows up on earlier regional trainings in Accra and is part of our broader agenda to equip Gambian institutions with the tools needed to regulate and grow our solar energy market.”
The workshop served as both a technical training and a collaborative planning session. Participants explored the practical steps necessary to integrate the standards into existing regulatory frameworks and market operations.
The workshop attracted representatives from the Ministries of Energy, Industry, Trade, and Finance, alongside the regulatory authority and private solar energy operators. This multi-sectoral turnout underscored the holistic approach The Gambia is taking in addressing energy access challenges.
Special recognition was given to technical partners and facilitators including VeraSol, the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), and the Project Fund Manager (PFM). Their contributions were instrumental in delivering an effective and results-driven workshop.
As The Gambia continues its journey toward universal energy access, this workshop marks a pivotal moment. By embracing harmonized regional standards and empowering local institutions with the knowledge and tools to enforce them, the country is laying a strong foundation for a cleaner, more inclusive energy future.
With ROGEAP’s continued support, The Gambia is not only aligning with ECOWAS energy goals—it is lighting the path forward for off-grid innovation across West Africa.
