In the years to come, the growing energy demand caused by the rapid population growth (about 2.5% per year), urbanization and economic development will require urgent measures to exploit the immense renewable energy resources of the region. .

It should be noted that “the rate of access to electricity in the region is among the lowest in the world, with only 42% of the total population and 8% of rural residents being served by the network. The region faces energy vulnerability, oil price volatility and unreliable systems,” said one expert, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Second, energy poverty and its consequences for local economies and social development are expected to be the predominant challenge for West Africa until 2030. Access to electricity varies greatly: in Niger, the rate of electrification barely reaches 9% (2001) while Cape Verde has practically reached the goal of universal access.

The economies of West Africa are already confronted with the effects of climate change and will be more so in the decades to come. There is therefore an increasingly urgent need to reduce emissions and encourage regionally appropriate adaptation measures while working to achieve the objectives of sustainable development. Given the region's vulnerability to climate change, the urgent need for reliable and affordable energy sources poses a dilemma for officials.

It should be noted that a hydroelectric potential estimated at 23,000 MW is concentrated in 5 of the 15 Member States, of which only about 16% has been exploited. According to initial estimates, that of the region represents approximately 6,000 MW. Many forms of energy can be harnessed. And subsequently ECOWAS is among the strongest supporters of the SE4All initiative which aims to help Member States out of energy poverty and is implementing a number of initiatives to achieve the set targets.