Regional Energy Regulators Association of Southern Africa (RERA) and African School of Regulation (ASR) sign Memorandum of Cooperation to Strengthen Energy Regulation Capacity in Southern Africa

Partnership will advance regulatory capacity, evidence-based policy dialogue, applied research and regional energy-market development

ACCRA AND WINDHOEK, 23/09/2026

The Regional Energy Regulators Association of Southern Africa (RERA) and the African School of Regulation (ASR) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen cooperation in capacity building, knowledge sharing, applied research, and regulatory support for the development of the energy sectors and energy markets in RERA member countries.

Through this MoC, RERA and ASR agree to work together to bridge the knowledge gap within RERA member institutions and relevant African energy-sector institutions by providing targeted knowledge, training, and technical support. The collaboration aims to facilitate the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks that are transparent, predictable, effective, and attractive to investment, thereby contributing to the growth, modernisation, and integration of energy sectors and markets across Southern Africa.

The partnership reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to support regulators, policymakers, utilities, system operators, market participants, and other stakeholders in addressing the evolving regulatory challenges of the African energy sector. These include electricity market reform, tariff regulation, utility financial viability, regional power trade, renewable energy integration, energy access, consumer protection, private investment in infrastructure, and the development of competitive and sustainable energy markets.

Under the MoC, RERA and ASR will collaborate to design and deliver capacity-building programmes tailored to the needs of RERA member institutions. These programmes may include executive training courses, short technical workshops, peer-learning initiatives, policy dialogues, webinars, advisory support, and knowledge-sharing events. The cooperation will also support the development of practical tools, guidelines, case studies, and research outputs that can help regulators and energy-sector institutions improve regulatory decision-making and implementation.

A key objective of the partnership is to strengthen the institutional and technical capacities required to create smooth, credible, and investment-ready regulatory environments. By equipping regulators and relevant institutions with the necessary knowledge and skills, the collaboration will contribute to the development of regulatory frameworks that support efficient energy markets, attract sustainable investment, protect consumers, and promote reliable and affordable energy services.

The MoC also provides a platform for RERA and ASR to jointly identify priority areas for capacity development in Southern Africa and to mobilise technical and financial partners to support implementation. The two institutions will work together to ensure that capacity-building activities respond to the practical needs of RERA member countries and contribute to broader continental energy priorities, including regional market integration and the implementation of the African Single Electricity Market.

The partnership between RERA and ASR represents an important step towards deepening regulatory cooperation in Southern Africa. It will help create a structured framework through which regulators and sector institutions can access high-quality training, technical expertise, peer learning, and policy support adapted to the realities of African energy markets.

Both institutions look forward to working closely together to implement the MoC and to support RERA member countries in building the regulatory knowledge, skills, and frameworks required for the development of dynamic, resilient, and investment-ready energy sectors.

“RERA is pleased to partner with the African School of Regulation in advancing specialized training, knowledge transfer and capacity development for member regulators in the SADC region. This collaboration directly supports RERA’s Strategic Plan 2025 – 2029, which seeks to strengthen institutional capacity through specialized training and knowledge transfer. Through this partnership, we aim to enhance technical, legal, economic and digital regulatory skills, promote knowledge sharing and foster collaboration among our membership, ultimately contributing to stronger regulatory institutions and sustainable regional energy development.” – Mr. Francois Robinson (Executive Director – Regional Energy Regulators Association of Southern Africa)

“Creating credible and predictable regulatory environments is essential to unlocking the investment needed for Africa’s energy sector growth. This collaboration between ASR and RERA bridges critical knowledge gaps by combining applied research, technical expertise, and peer learning. We are excited to work alongside RERA to equip regulators with the capabilities required to drive sustainable development and regional power integration.” – Dr. Abdulkadir Shettima (Executive Director – African School of Regulation)

ABOUT RERA

The Regional Energy Regulators Association of Southern Africa is a regional body that brings together national energy regulators from the Southern African Development Community region. RERA promotes regulatory cooperation, policy and practice harmonisation, capacity development, regional energy markets and cross-border power trading.

ABOUT ASR

The African School of Regulation is a pan-African centre for learning, knowledge exchange and applied research in energy regulation and policy. Established in 2022 and acknowledged by the African Union Commission through the Zanzibar Declaration in 2023, ASR supports Africa’s transition towards sustainable, reliable and affordable energy through training, applied research, events and knowledge resources.