The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has embarked on a significant initiative to bolster regional energy data integration through the establishment of the ECOWAS Energy Information System (ECOWAS-EIS). This ambitious undertaking aims to revolutionize energy data management across West Africa, fostering transparency, informed decision-making, and ultimately, regional energy security. The third annual workshop on ECOWAS-EIS, held in Lagos, Nigeria, from February 25th to 28th, underscored the regional bloc’s unwavering commitment to this transformative project. The workshop served as a crucial platform for representatives from ECOWAS member states, specialized energy agencies, and the ECOWAS Directorate of Energy and Mines to converge, collaborate, and chart the course for enhanced energy data integration.
The ECOWAS-EIS, launched in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, in March 2023, represents a paradigm shift in the region’s approach to energy data management. It provides a robust and reliable framework for the collection, storage, analysis, and dissemination of vital energy data. The system offers real-time statistics on various critical aspects of the energy sector, including energy supply and consumption, electricity access rates, and infrastructure development. This readily available information empowers policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders with the necessary data to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and drive sustainable energy development. The system’s transparency also promotes accountability and fosters public trust in the energy sector.
Prior to the implementation of ECOWAS-EIS, many member states grappled with the challenge of limited access to comprehensive and reliable energy information. This information gap hindered effective planning and policy formulation, leading to inefficiencies in the energy sector. Dabire Bayaornibè, Director of Energy and Mines at the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the transformative impact of ECOWAS-EIS in addressing this long-standing challenge. He noted that the platform has significantly improved access to accurate energy data, facilitated the enhancement of national energy information systems, and fostered greater regional integration in the energy sector. The ability to track energy usage, outages, and other critical metrics empowers member states to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted interventions to optimize energy efficiency and reliability.
Nigeria has emerged as a leading example in the region’s pursuit of robust energy data management. The launch of the National Energy Information System (NEIS) in October 2024, supported by ECOWAS, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s energy sector development. The NEIS introduced a computerized data collection and transmission system, enabling real-time access to energy statistics. This innovative approach has streamlined data management processes, enhanced data accuracy, and facilitated more efficient data sharing within the country. The success of Nigeria’s NEIS has served as a catalyst for other ECOWAS member states to emulate this model and modernize their respective energy data management systems.
The Lagos workshop built upon the progress achieved in previous workshops held in Accra, Ghana, in 2022 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2023. The Accra workshop focused on assessing the region’s existing energy information systems, while the Côte d’Ivoire workshop prioritized data quality improvements. The Lagos workshop aimed to consolidate the gains made in these earlier meetings and expand the reach of the ECOWAS-EIS across all member states. Mohammed Adam Mundu, representing the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, emphasized the critical role of the workshop in consolidating the region’s energy data efforts. He underscored the importance of collaborative knowledge sharing and capacity building to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the ECOWAS-EIS.
The collaborative spirit of the ECOWAS-EIS initiative was evident in the participation of representatives from various member states, including Guinea-Bissau. Mohammadu Saido Baldi, Director of Energy Planning and Statistics in Guinea-Bissau, highlighted the value of knowledge sharing and learning from the experiences of other nations. He stressed the importance of a well-structured energy information system in enabling informed policy development and achieving long-term energy security. The ECOWAS-EIS provides a platform for member states to share best practices, learn from each other’s successes and challenges, and collectively work towards a more integrated and sustainable energy future for West Africa. The initiative exemplifies regional cooperation and underscores the importance of shared knowledge and resources in addressing complex energy challenges.
