The ECOWAS Parliament has unanimously adopted a set of resolutions and recommendations designed to enhance access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy in rural communities. The adoption was made at the climax of its five-day meeting held in Dakar from June 15 to 19, 2026.
The meeting was conducted by the Joint Committee on Energy and Mines, Infrastructure, and Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources of the ECOWAS Parliament.
Held under the theme “Harnessing Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification and the Revitalisation of Rural Economies in the ECOWAS Region: The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament,” the meeting concluded with the adoption of the Joint Committee’s report after extensive deliberations by lawmakers from across the region.
The adoption followed the presentation of the draft report by the Rapporteur, which captured the outcomes of technical presentations, panel discussions, and a field visit to renewable energy installations. Members thoroughly reviewed the document, making observations and proposing amendments aimed at strengthening its recommendations and ensuring that it reflected the realities and aspirations of ECOWAS citizens.
A notable outcome of the meeting was the call for greater deployment of decentralised energy solutions such as mini-grids and off-grid systems, harmonisation of regulatory frameworks, strengthened innovative financing mechanisms, and increased parliamentary oversight of energy projects.
The regional lawmakers further advocated for the accelerated deployment of renewable energy solutions to drive rural electrification and revitalise rural economies across West Africa, following the adoption of far-reaching resolutions and recommendations at the close of the five-day delocalised meeting in Dakar, Senegal.
Members also urged stronger regional coordination mechanisms, increased support for the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), and enhanced consultation with parliamentarians in the implementation and monitoring of regional projects.
The lawmakers called for urgent action to address the financial challenges facing the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and reaffirmed the continuity of regional energy projects involving countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), in line with existing contractual commitments.
At the closing ceremony, the Joint Committee Chairperson, Hon. Fanta Conte, commended members for their active participation and constructive contributions throughout the meeting.
She stressed that “rural electrification must go beyond providing electricity to households and should serve as a catalyst for economic transformation, job creation, agricultural productivity, and the empowerment of women and young people.”
She added that the Dakar-adopted recommendations provide a clear roadmap for accelerating the energy transition and achieving universal access to electricity in the region.
She urged parliamentarians to use their legislative, oversight, and advocacy roles to support the implementation of regional energy policies and mobilise the political will needed to unlock investments in renewable energy.
Finally, she implored Member States to harness their abundant renewable energy resources and transform them into engines of sustainable development and regional integration.
