The brief presents a summary of the discussion held during the three-day Policy Dialogue on Renewable Generation and Regional Power Trade in Africa, held in Madrid from 21 to 23 February 2023, which brought together approximately 40 experts and stakeholders to discuss key challenges and opportunities for regional electricity market integration in Africa.
The discussions focused on three main priorities: strengthening regional institutions and governance, developing efficient cross-border electricity trading arrangements, and improving regional transmission planning and cost allocation. Participants highlighted the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, greater institutional coordination, increased investment in interconnections, and appropriate market rules to facilitate electricity trade and renewable energy integration.
The dialogue also emphasised the importance of adapting international regulatory best practices to African contexts and strengthening the technical and institutional capacities of national and regional stakeholders.
Overall, the dialogue underscored that effective regional electricity integration requires coordinated institutional, regulatory, technical, and financial reforms to deliver more affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity across Africa.