News

African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 to Spotlight the Strategic Significance of Regional Integration in Africa’s Power Sector

Amidst the pursuit of sustainable development and energy security, Africa is undergoing transformation, with regional integration playing a pivotal role. Regional power pools, epitomizing collaborative efforts, address the continent’s energy challenges effectively. As new energy supplies are brought on the market, this year’s edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) conference – scheduled for October 16-20 in Cape Town – will explore the role regional power systems play in Africa.

 

Forging Bonds and Fostering Growth through Regional Power Pools

Under efforts to connect markets, African countries put in place regional power pools, all of which have been instrumental in facilitating energy access and distribution. In southern Africa, the South African Power Pool (SAPP) connects South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique, among others, and has enabled energy-starved nations to tap into resource-rich neighbors. Countries to the likes of South Africa and Zimbabwe rely heavily on Mozambican power to electrify their economies. Meanwhile, Angola has effectively leveraged the SAPP to strengthen its regional influence, with recent bilateral agreements signed with neighbors set to enhance the distribution of Angolan power.

In Central Africa, the Central African Power Pool (PEAC), operating under the Economic Community of Central African States, drives energy policies, infrastructure and electricity trade. Despite holding 57% of Africa’s hydroelectric potential, Central Africa faces under-electrification and frequent load shedding. The PEAC stands as a strategic response to these challenges and interconnects grids among ten nations, aiming for an energy exchange market by 2025 and fostering growth, job creation and energy access.

In the region, Equatorial Guinea’s ambitious Central African Power Pipeline project underscores the transformative potential of gas-to-power technologies. By utilizing its abundant gas reserves to generate electricity for the regional market, Equatorial Guinea can play a pivotal role in facilitating access to cleaner energy alternatives across the Central African region. This initiative not only addresses energy shortages but also demonstrates the power of cross-border collaboration in leveraging energy resources for mutual benefit.

The emergence of innovative energy resources, such as gas-to-power technologies, holds promise for the continent

Meanwhile, West Africa, rich in energy resources, is poised for a substantial energy transformation. Nations like Nigeria, with substantial gas reserves, are well-positioned to enhance the regional power supply. By establishing power plants in Nigeria to harness these resources, countries within the West Africa Power Pool can collaboratively increase energy production, address energy deficits, and facilitate sustainable development across the region.

Similarly, the North African Power Pool (NAPP) promotes energy cooperation and integration among North African countries. Major participants within NAPP include Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Morocco. These nations collaborate to optimize energy resources, expand electricity access, and support economic growth. NAPP’s initiatives aim to enhance regional energy security, promote sustainable energy practices, and create a more resilient electricity infrastructure.

Finally, established in 2005, the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) fosters cross-border power trade and grid interconnection. With thirteen member countries and fourteen utilities, including Burundi, Djibouti, the DRC, Rwanda, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Libya, South Sudan, and Somalia, EAPP strategically bridges the SAPP and the Middle East. Positioned amidst rich energy resources and strong economic growth, Eastern Africa actively strengthens connectivity among EAPP nations.

Initiatives include the Tanzania-Zambia Interconnector and discussions for links to the Middle East via Ethiopia and Sudan. Presently, EAPP operates four synchronized clusters, like Egypt-Libya and Kenya-Uganda, as per the 2019 Power Balance Statement. Cross-border transmission lines extend electrification to remote border cities, highlighting the potential of shared infrastructure and regional integration.

The Future Role of Regional Power Pools: Navigating New Energy Resources

As Africa evolves, so does its energy portfolio. The emergence of innovative energy resources, such as gas-to-power technologies, holds promise for the continent. These innovative solutions have the potential to revolutionize the energy landscape, providing cleaner and more sustainable alternatives. However, the integration of these resources into the existing infrastructure presents its own set of challenges.

This is where the role of regional power pools becomes even more crucial. Power pools act as streams for the efficient distribution and utilization of these new energy resources. Gas-to-power technologies, for instance, require a robust infrastructure for transportation, distribution, and utilization. By leveraging the existing interconnectivity facilitated by power pools, African nations can streamline the integration of these technologies, ensuring their seamless adoption across borders.

AEW 2023 provides the best platform to address challenges associated with power pool integration. The conference represents the largest gathering of energy stakeholders on the continent, and aims to foster dialogue and the exchange of ideas around this crucial industry.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business Culture Economy International Interviews

FX Volatility Risk: Why Nigerian Businesses Must Be Cautious When Borrowing in Foreign Currency

post-image

By Anayo Nwosu

In a rapidly evolving economic landscape where currency fluctuations have become the norm, Nigerian businesses are constantly weighing their financing options. One of the biggest dilemmas faced by companies is whether to borrow in foreign currency or stick to naira-denominated loans. While foreign currency loans often come with significantly lower interest rates, they carry a hidden danger—FX Volatility Risk—which has led to the downfall of many companies.

The Temptation of Foreign Currency Loans

Imagine a manufacturing company in Nigeria that wants to expand by acquiring new machinery from an overseas supplier. The cost of this machinery is $1,000,000, and the foreign supplier agrees to ship the equipment with a one-year payment plan, provided a Nigerian bank issues a confirmed letter of credit as a guarantee. The loan comes with an attractive 7% annual interest rate, much lower than naira-denominated loans, which range from 19% to 32% per annum.

At first…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Government International

Peter Obi Engages Indonesian Leaders on Governance and Economic Transformation

post-image

Nigerian public figure and presidential hopeful Peter Obi has continued his engagements in Indonesia, holding high-level discussions with key political and economic leaders to gain insights into the country’s development strategies. His visit on February 3rd and 4th included meetings with top government officials who played significant roles in Indonesia’s economic transformation under Presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo.

Obi’s discussions began with Agung Laksono, a former Minister, former Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and a former member of Indonesia’s Presidential Advisory Board. Laksono provided Obi with valuable insights into the governance strategies that shaped Indonesia’s rapid development, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, disciplined execution, and a focus on measurable progress across key sectors.No alt text provided for this image

Read More
Business Economy Government

NDPC Marks 3rd Anniversary with Team Bonding Event to Strengthen Workplace Unity

post-image

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) recently celebrated its third anniversary with a specially organized team bonding event aimed at fostering stronger connections among its workforce. The event, which brought together staff members in a relaxed and engaging environment, provided an opportunity for them to reflect on their collective achievements, strengthen team spirit, and reinforce the Commission’s commitment to its mandate.

Held in a lively atmosphere, the event featured a mix of recreational activities, including friendly competitions, interactive games, and team-building exercises designed to enhance collaboration. Staff members also enjoyed a variety of food, drinks, music, and dance, creating a festive mood that encouraged camaraderie and networking beyond the usual work setting.

Speaking at the event, senior officials of the NDPC highlighted the significance of teamwork in achieving the Commission’s objectives. They emphasized that fostering a strong internal culture of cooperation and mutual support is essential to maintaining efficiency in regulatory…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Society Travels Trends

Lagos Governor Speaks on Expansion of Red Line Rail Service, Receives Mixed Public Reactions

post-image

 

By ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled a significant enhancement to the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to revolutionize urban mobility. Effective from tomorrow, the Red Line will expand its service schedule, now offering five morning trips and four evening trips daily, an increase from the previous two morning trips. This step is aimed at improving the daily commute for residents traveling along the high-demand route from Agbado to Oyingbo.

This upgrade promises to ease the stress of navigating the city’s notorious traffic jams by reducing overall travel times. With a journey time of just 50 minutes between Agbado and Oyingbo, commuters will benefit from the convenience of waiting times as brief as two minutes at each station. The increased frequency of train services is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of the Red…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Tourism Travels Trends

Radisson Hotel Group concludes record-breaking year with over 300 new signings and openings in 2024

post-image

Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) reported a record-breaking year in 2024 after adding almost 40,000 keys to its global brand portfolio, thereby achieving significant milestones and further strengthening its footprint around the world. Radisson Blu remained the leading upper upscale brand in Europe for the 13th consecutive year and the Group is now leading the upscale resort segment in EMEA.

VIDEO
Elie Younes, EVP & Global Chief Development Officer, walks you through Radisson Hotel Group’s 2024 Business Development highlights

 

Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, comments: “Despite global geopolitical…

Read More
Business Economy Gadgets News Security Society Software Technology Technology Trends

Zoracom Announces Strategic Collaboration with Exeon Analytics AG to Enhance Cybersecurity Resilience and Next-Gen NDR Solutions

post-image

 

Zoracom, Nigeria’s foremost Network Security Operations Center (NSOC) and leading cybersecurity firm, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing Next-Generation Network Detection & Response (NDR) capabilities and bolstering cybersecurity operational resilience. The company revealed plans for a strategic visit to its partner, Exeon Analytics AG, in Zürich, Switzerland, scheduled for 2025, as part of its commitment to innovation and excellence in the cybersecurity landscape.

In an official statement, Zoracom emphasized that this collaboration underscores its dedication to addressing the evolving challenges of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world. The initiative is designed to not only enhance Zoracom’s service offerings but also to provide cutting-edge solutions to its growing customer base, which includes enterprises, government agencies, and organizations across various sectors.

Key Objectives of the Initiative

The strategic partnership with Exeon Analytics AG, a renowned Swiss-based leader in cybersecurity analytics, is expected to deliver significant benefits, including:

  1. Support for a Growing…
Read More
Business News

Why Every Business Needs a Website and Social Media Management – Menxtt Technology NG is the Digital Partner You Can Rely On

post-image

 

 

Imagine a customer hears about your business and wants to learn more. The first thing they do? Search for you online. If they find nothing—no website, no social media page—chances are they’ll move on to your competitor. In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses that lack an online presence are practically invisible.

That’s why Menxtt Technology NG, a trusted IT solutions provider based in Ikeja, Lagos, is helping businesses of all sizes build strong digital footprints. From creating professional websites to managing social media pages and deploying smart business software, Menxtt ensures businesses don’t just exist online but thrive in the digital space.

According to Anthony Nwosu, a marketing consultant at Menxtt Technology NG, going digital is no longer an option—it’s a necessity.

“Think about it—when was the last time you tried a new restaurant, salon, or service without first checking them out online? Today’s customers do their research before making a decision….

Read More
Agriculture Business

John Dumelo: “Agriculture Has Given Me More Than I Ever Dreamed Of”

post-image

Acclaimed Ghanaian actor and entrepreneur John Dumelo has shed light on his decision to step away from acting, citing agriculture as a more rewarding and impactful pursuit. Dumelo, who once graced the screens in some of Ghana’s most popular films, revealed that he left the entertainment industry to focus on farming, a venture that has transformed his life in ways he never imagined.

In a candid statement, Dumelo expressed that the film industry was financially unsustainable for him, prompting him to seek a more stable and fulfilling career path. His passion for agriculture, coupled with a strong desire to fight hunger in his community, led him to invest in large-scale farming.

“The film industry was not enough to sustain me. Besides, I had a deep passion for agriculture and a desire to eliminate hunger in my community and beyond through my products. This passion led me to venture into poultry farming,…

Read More