West African lawmakers have called on governments across the region to dedicate at least five per cent of their yearly national budgets to renewable energy and rural development initiatives as part of efforts to address chronic electricity shortages and promote sustainable growth.
The appeal was made by Sen. Ali Ndume, Chairman of the ECOWAS Parliament Committee on Agriculture, during a delocalised meeting of the parliament’s joint committee held on Thursday in Dakar, Senegal.
The gathering brought together legislators and energy sector stakeholders to discuss innovative financing strategies capable of expanding access to electricity through renewable energy solutions across the sub-region.
Ndume emphasised that investing in renewable energy infrastructure in rural areas would enhance agricultural output, improve security, stimulate local economic activities and reduce migration from villages to urban centres.
He maintained that allocating at least five per cent of annual budgets to renewable energy and rural development projects was financially feasible for ECOWAS member countries.
According to him, relatively modest investments can transform rural communities by improving infrastructure, boosting economic opportunities and strengthening local security.
He noted that when development reaches rural areas, residents are more likely to remain and contribute to the growth of their communities.
Speaking at the event, Director-General of Senegal’s National Agency for Renewable Energy, Diouma Kobor, identified increasing energy demand, reliance on imported fossil fuels, unstable electricity grids and uneven access to power as major factors behind the region’s energy challenges.
Presenting a paper on financing models for renewable energy, Kobor advocated a diversified energy mix incorporating solar, wind, gas, energy storage systems and energy-efficiency measures.
He further urged the utilisation of ECOWAS and West African Power Pool frameworks to establish regional energy corridors and improve electricity distribution throughout West Africa.
Kobor also proposed a financing structure that combines grants, concessional funding, commercial loans and private-sector investment to reduce risks and make electricity more affordable.
He disclosed that Senegal plans to derive 40 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, supported by a 2.5 billion euro facility under its Just Energy Transition Partnership programme.
Kobor stressed the need for West African countries to move beyond isolated energy interventions and develop integrated, investment-ready projects capable of attracting private capital into interconnected transport, agriculture and energy infrastructure networks.
Also speaking, Maimouna Sidibe of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) said renewable energy represents only four per cent of the bank’s current energy portfolio despite rising demand in rural communities.
She observed that the major challenge lies not in the lack of opportunities but in ensuring projects are sufficiently prepared and financially viable to attract investment.
Sidibe listed inadequate project preparation, weak bankability, small-scale project sizes, regulatory hurdles and limited access to guarantees as key obstacles affecting rural energy investments.
She revealed that EBID’s 2026–2030 strategy would increase support for solar mini-grids, off-grid energy systems, hybrid power plants, small hydropower schemes and productive energy solutions aimed at driving economic activities in rural areas.
According to her, blended finance arrangements and the ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility would play a vital role in attracting private-sector participation and expanding electricity access in underserved communities.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Munir, Vice-Chairman of the ECOWAS Parliament Committee on Infrastructure, called for sustainable climate financing to support industrialisation efforts across the region.
He encouraged member states to engage development partners strategically to ensure climate funding promotes technology transfer, local value creation and long-term economic development.
Participants at the meeting underscored the importance of deeper regional collaboration, innovative financing approaches and sustained political commitment to achieve universal access to electricity and foster inclusive economic growth throughout West Africa.