The World Bank has outlined plans to strengthen electricity trade across West Africa, building on years of investments in critical power infrastructure.
Speaking at an MoU signing between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire on June 27, 2025, Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank, Maame Taboah Ankor, noted that the Bank has been instrumental in financing the physical infrastructure now integrated into the West Africa regional power pool.
“For the past couple of years, the Bank has been very fundamental in financing all the physical infrastructure that we can now say is part of the West Africa regional power pool,” she stated.
She explained that the focus is now shifting toward advancing electricity trade to fully leverage these infrastructure investments.
“We are moving towards a significant step where we advance to the trade, which is, for us, the soft side, the essential connection needed to bridge the physical infrastructure with the soft elements that ensure continuous trade on the lines we have financed,” Ankor said.
She expressed confidence that with strong leadership and effective partnerships, the initiative would deliver lasting benefits to the people of West Africa.
“I believe with your continuous leadership and partnership, we can achieve a lasting impact for the people of West Africa,” she added.
SP/MA
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