Under the high patronage of H.E Minister of the Federal Ministry of Power of Nigeria and with the support of the Economic Community of West African States, Konect Group were proud to present the second edition of the West African Power and Energy Cooperation Conference (WAPECC 21) which took place virtually from 3rd – 4th June 2021.
Digital WAPECC Abuja provided an intimate platform to network and socialise, and brought together the region’s top decision makers, international investors, leading technology providers, power developers, donor bodies, development partners, management consultancy firms, and other professionals from around the globe and from across West Africa.
This biannual regional dialogue on energy provided authoritative analysis, data, policy recommendations and real solutions to help ECOWAS countries provide secure, affordable and sustainable energy for all. It was a meeting place for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and regional bodies to tackle their most pressing issues: Access to clean, affordable, reliable, and modern energy services for the region and importantly, work on the dynamics and fundamentals of energy development for sustainability and to effectively lead the clean energy revolution in the wake of the global pandemic.
For the member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), namely: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo, Digital WAPECC Abuja21 also meant a platform to develop regional cooperation, interconnectivity and somewhere to decide on shared actions to drive growth.
The common objective of eradicating energy poverty and achieving the 2030 objectives has never been more urgent.
Regional development partners and related institutions have rolled out their own plans for sustainable development and for eradicating energy poverty in the region.
The region’s power and energy sector is presented with several difficult challenges as it emerges from the most severe global pandemic we have ever faced.
However, despite the predictions of global economic contraction due to the impact of the Covid19, Africa remains a continent of opportunity: The pandemic has caused a shift in the consumption of electricity away from the established grid, towards the off grid and has necessitated the development of such. Ambitious efforts have continued at both the national and regional level to develop and harmonise policy targets and frameworks.
Making the most of the region’s vast renewable potential is imperative to enhancing energy access and to meet the ever-growing demand. With the population growing exponentially, (according to the International Energy Agency) in the next 20 years, one in three who are born will be African, which will make Africa one of the world’s youngest and most dynamic populations and the demand for electricity will grow alongside this.
With the right investment and global cooperation, Africa in general and West Africa in particular will have an opportunity to take the lead in the green energy revolution.
Digital WAPECC Abuja21 was the must-attend two-day online event for West Africa’s power and energy sector stakeholders to engage and come out with the best strategies and solutions.
Our programme featured some of the most sought-after international and West African speakers and hottest strategic topics.
