Power Sector Regulation in Africa (PSRA) is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and practical skills to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape of Africa’s power sector. Through practical insights, real-world applications and a hands-on electricity market game developed by Stanford University, participants explore key regulatory challenges while gaining practical experience in bidding, dispatch and…
About the course
The Power Sector Regulation in Africa (PSRA) course provides a comprehensive and practical understanding of the fundamentals of power sector regulation within the diverse contexts of African countries.
Going beyond an introduction to regulatory issues, the course is designed to help participants “learn the trade” of regulatory practice. It combines the principles of economic regulation with an understanding of the engineering, institutional and policy dimensions of the electricity sector, providing participants with a strong foundation for addressing real-world regulatory challenges.
Recognising that Africa’s power sectors face distinctive challenges, the course encourages participants to move beyond simply adopting international best practices and instead develop the capacity to adapt regulatory approaches to local contexts and design solutions suited to the realities of African power systems.
Course Highlight
- Africa-focused approach to power sector regulation, grounded in the realities and challenges of African power systems
- Ten thematic lessons covering the electricity value chain and emerging energy issues
- Expert-led learning through videos, podcasts, readings and live sessions
- Hands-on electricity market simulation using a game developed by Stanford University, allowing participants to experience bidding, dispatch and settlement in a simulated wholesale market environment
- Practical application through case studies, discussions and an optional individual project
- Interactive learning with instructors, guest experts and professionals from across the sector
- Optional in-person week focused on applied regulatory case studies, expert engagement and peer exchange
What you will learn
- The structure, development and regulatory challenges of African power sectors
- The principles of economic regulation, regulatory institutions and the regulation of natural monopolies
- Regulation of large-scale electricity generation, including centralised planning, wholesale markets, power purchase agreements and renewable energy integration
- Electricity transmission, investment, system operation, regional power trade and African power pools
- Regulatory and business models for on-grid electricity distribution
- Principles and practical approaches to electricity tariff design
- Electricity demand, energy efficiency, quality of service and productive uses of electricity
- Regulatory and business models for electricity access, mini-grids and off-grid systems
- The role and regulation of natural gas within Africa’s evolving energy sector
- Emerging issues including urbanisation, green hydrogen, e-cooking, e-mobility, appliance regulation, quality standards and e-waste management.
Course Delivery
The course offers a flexible and interactive e-learning experience, combining independent study with live engagement.
Learning is delivered through short videos, podcasts, specialist readings, recommended resources, discussion forums and live classes. Each lesson includes opportunities for participants to engage with instructors, discuss key regulatory questions with their peers and test their understanding through quizzes.
Each lesson includes a live office hour with an instructor, while additional doubt-clearing sessions with the Course Director and/or guest experts provide opportunities to discuss questions arising from the course material. Participants may also undertake an optional individual project to deepen their understanding and receive a higher level of recognition for completing the course.
The official course language is English, with all essential course materials translated into French.
Course Faculty
- Andrés González Waya Energy and MIT-Comillas Universal Energy Access Lab
- Carol Ofafa African School of Regulation
- Chris Flavin Gridworks
- Christian de Gromard Former Energy Advisor, French Development Agency
- Collin Gumbu GOGLA
- Eng. Nickson Bukachi Ongeri AFREC
- Fenwicks Musonye Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya
- Geoffrey Mabea Energy Regulators Association of East Africa; COMESA Secretariat
- Henry Odedeh Kenya Electricity Transmission Company
- Ignacio Pérez-Arriaga African School of Regulation
- Irene Calvé Sustainable Energy for All
- José Guerra Smarteec
- Keno Shiferaw African School of Regulation
- Martha Wakoli CLASP
- Mohamed El Abbas- Comillas University
- Mohamed Fayed Hendam- EgyptERA
- Nico Peterschmidt- INENSUS
- Nnaemeka Ewelukwa Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc
- Obindah Gershon CEPDeR, Covenant University
- Patrick Tonui GOGLA
- Peter Twesigye Power Futures Lab, University of Cape Town
- Rebecca Rhodes GOGLA
- Rita Madeira International Energy Agency
Target Audience
- Regulatory authorities
- Ministries and government agencies
- Power utilities
- Academic and research institutions
- Investment and private-sector organisations
- Development organisations
- Other institutions involved in the planning, regulation, financing and development of the power sector.