Africa Development Bank and African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD): Mutually consented to promote a Blueprint for a Pan Continental Electricity Network and Market

By Abdul Rahman Suagibu –

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS, Freetown, Sierra Leone- Agree with to set up a Continental Power System Master Plan between the Africa Development Bank and AUDA-NEPAD was uncovered during a three-day workshop on the perimeter of Programme for Infrastructure Development (PIDA) Week held in Cairo – Egypt. The workshop also produced the Master plan’s terms of reference.

“The Continental Power System Master Plan will ensure that competitive electricity markets are developed at regional and continental levels, creating unique opportunities to optimally utilize Africa’s vast energy resources for the benefit of Africa,” stated, Professor Mosad Elmissiry – a Senior Energy Advisor to AUDA-NEPAD’s CEO.

The workshop was geared at forwarding the launch of an Integrated Continental Transmission Network (ICTN) to link national power utilities into regional power pools and ultimately; into a continent wide transmission network. Plans also include setting up a market for electricity trading.

The Master plan also will inform the energy component of a PIDA Action Plan, which focuses on key regional integration projects. Development of a consolidated electricity transmission network and market for electricity trading are viewed as a critical priority to improve the lives of people across the continent.

“Most state-owned electric utilities in Africa today are unable to secure the financial resources needed to implement required segments of regional interconnectors and associated national feeder lines,” noted Angela Nalikka, the Bank’s manager for National and Regional Power Systems to elaborate the force for the partnership.

“The Bank plans to encourage private sector participation in transmission projects in the continent,” she added.

For New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Suagibu Reports,  Africa Correspondent

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