01 July 2025, Addis Ababa, Ethipia, By Dr Baboloki Semele: In a landmark moment for the continent’s energy future, AUDA-NEPAD (African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development) has praised the collaborative efforts of international and regional partners that are driving the realization of a unified African electricity market. The remarks, delivered byTichakunda Simbini on behalf of AUDA-NEPAD during a high-level energy consultation, underscored the transformative momentum Africa is gaining in power connectivity and regional energy integration.
Simbini extended heartfelt gratitude to all key stakeholders, especially the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Union (EU), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for their unwavering support in shaping the continent’s energy future.
“Our deepest appreciation goes to our strategic partners – from those in the room to those supporting from afar – who have enabled the impressive progress we will be reviewing during this meeting,” Simbini stated. “Thanks to the African Development Bank, the European Union, and regional economic communities, we are moving closer to realizing a truly integrated African electricity market.”
Highlighting the concrete progress already underway, Simbini noted several milestones from the past year. Most notably, the synchronization of the West African Power Pool, a long-anticipated achievement, was completed. Additionally, the publication of the Tanzania-Kenya interconnector in December laid a crucial foundation for what could become a transcontinental power grid extending from Cape Town to Cairo.
Looking ahead, he revealed plans to see the East African power system linked with the West and Southern African systems by 2027. This interconnection marks a pivotal step toward building a unified and resilient continental grid that will unlock cross-border electricity trade and improved energy access across Africa. Simbini called on partners particularly the European Union through the Global Gateway Initiative to deepen collaboration and assist in mobilizing funding for project preparation. The goal is to equip regional economic communities with the tools needed to develop robust pipelines of bankable infrastructure projects.
“This is the time to scale up support for project preparation mechanisms,” Simbini urged. “We must help regional blocs prepare and fund critical transmission and generation projects to make the African electricity market a reality.”
Among the regional priorities, Central Africa’s request to establish an Electricity Development Fund was singled out as a strategic opportunity for unlocking investments in much-needed interconnectors and grid expansion. AUDA-NEPAD urged all stakeholders to back efforts to operationalize the Central, Southern, and Eastern African power pools by 2030, in line with AU timelines. During his remarks he also acknowledged South Africa’s leadership through the Presidential Climate Commission and the work of the Stream 22 presidency, adding that a 10-year continental energy investment plan is being developed in consultation with regional economic communities and member states. This plan is set to be unveiled to the G20 Energy Technical Working Group later this year, beginning with a presentation at the end of this month and a formal launch in November during G20 meetings.
“Our collective ambition is to present a well-crafted 10-year investment framework that can attract the global financing necessary to build the backbone of the African Electricity Market,” Simbini said. “We call for intensified collaboration with member states and partners to deliver on this shared vision.”
AUDA-NEPAD’s message was clear: the dream of a unified, self-sufficient African electricity market is not just aspirational it is within reach. But success hinges on continued regional cooperation, sustained partner engagement, and significant investment in cross-border infrastructure.
“In conclusion, this journey demands unity, technical precision, and mutual commitment. The progress we’ve made is real, but now is the time to deepen collaboration and turn ambition into action,” Simbini concluded.
As the continent prepares for its next energy chapter, all eyes will be on the collaborative frameworks and investment partnerships that will determine the pace and scale of Africa’s electricity transformation.