By Nkeletsang Morapedi: Africa has taken a decisive step toward transforming its electricity future. The Second African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) Electricity Forum, held in Cairo alongside the 21st Congress and 55th Anniversary of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA), convened a powerful coalition of stakeholders from national utilities and regulators to financiers and investors all united under one vision: One Grid, One Market, One Vision. The gathering marked a pivotal moment in the continent’s march toward regional energy integration and universal access, laying the groundwork for the creation of a single continental electricity market by 2040. The Forum opened with distinguished leaders from across Africa’s energy landscape. Among them were Eng. Gaber Desouki Mostafa, Chairman of the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC); Eng. Abel Didier Tella, Director General of APUA; Mr. Stephen Dihwa, Executive Director of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP); Mr. Henry Paul Batchi Baldeh, Director of Power Systems Development at the African Development Bank (AfDB); and Dr. Ahmed Mohena, First Undersecretary at Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy.

Delivering the keynote on behalf of H.E. Ms. Lerato Mataboge, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Ms. Sara Elhag underscored the transformational role of AfSEM, calling it “an initiative by Africa, for Africa.”
“When fully implemented, AfSEM will establish one continental grid, ensuring stability in supply, affordability for all, and increased access to modern energy services,” she said.

The African Union adopted AfSEM in February 2024 as a Flagship Project of Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint for development. The Cairo Forum reaffirmed AfSEM’s central role in delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to more than half a billion Africans still living without power. Ms. Elhag emphasized that AfSEM’s vision goes beyond grid interconnection

“AfSEM will also embrace off-grid and mini-grid solutions, ensuring that no community is left behind.”

Technical sessions focused on financing Africa’s energy future, with experts stressing that AfSEM offers a stable, transparent framework for public and private investment. “AfSEM provides the enabling environment for investment and financing, creating the platform for both public and private participation,” said Mr. Shehu Khaleel, Senior Energy Advisor at the AU Commission. Panelists from IRENA, EEHC, and AfDB echoed his sentiments, noting that harmonized policies and regulatory certainty will unlock billions in infrastructure funding. The Forum celebrated the completion of Phase III of the Continental Power System Master Plan (CMP), a fully harmonized investment blueprint identifying priority generation and transmission projects across Africa’s five power pools. This milestone transitions Africa from fragmented national energy planning to a unified, continent-wide system, ensuring efficiency, resilience, and cost savings.

Stakeholders expressed deep appreciation to the institutions enabling AfSEM’s progress:

AUDA-NEPAD for program development and coordination

AfDB for financing and strategic guidance

UNECA for analytical and institutional support

APUA, AFUR, AFSEC, and Power Pools (SAPP, EAPP, WAPP, CAPP) for leadership in integration

Regional regulators (ERERA, IRB, RERA, EREA, RAERESA) for advancing harmonization

European Union, BMZ, IRENA, IEA for sustained support and technical expertise

This collaborative approach is seen as critical to realizing AfSEM’s ambitious 2040 target. Speakers also highlighted the link between AfSEM and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By enabling competitive power trading and reducing tariffs, AfSEM is expected to fuel industrialization and accelerate Africa’s transition to green growth and shared prosperity. Closing the Forum, Ms. Elhag issued a rallying call:

“Together, let us reaffirm our resolve to light every home, power every school, and energize every industry. By 2040, Africa will stand united under one grid, one market, one vision.”

The Cairo Forum ended with renewed unity and determination, cementing AfSEM’s place as the cornerstone of Africa’s energy transformation.