The Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah (MP), has urged unity and urgency as the African Union launches a technical oversight committee to implement the continent-wide electricity market.
African policymakers and industry leaders gathered in Addis Ababa for the formal inauguration of the High-Level Technical Oversight Committee of the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), in a step toward pan-African energy integration.
Representing the Government of Ghana, Hon. Gyan-Mensah, delivered a keynote address highlighting the strategic importance of AfSEM and urging member states to work collectively to realize its full potential.
Hon. Gyan-Mensah said, “It is a privilege to witness this milestone in Africa’s collective journey towards a unified and sustainable electricity market.”
“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Ghana, I extend warm congratulations to the members of the Committee.
“We are confident that your expertise and commitment will help deliver AfSEM’s transformative goals.”
Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah (MP), Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition
AfSEM is an ambitious flagship project under the African Union (AU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), designed to harmonize electricity markets across the continent.
Its primary objectives include enabling cross-border electricity trading, lowering energy costs, improving energy access, and accelerating the shift towards clean, renewable power sources.
Once fully operational, AfSEM is projected to be the world’s largest interconnected electricity market, connecting more than 55 African countries through regional power pools.
The market will enable African nations to balance power deficits and surpluses, enhance grid stability, and boost industrialisation through more affordable and reliable electricity.
“The formation of this oversight body is not just a bureaucratic formality.
“It is a powerful step forward in delivering the backbone infrastructure necessary for Africa’s green industrial future.”
Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah (MP), Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition
The newly inaugurated High-Level Technical Oversight Committee will play a pivotal role in guiding AfSEM’s implementation.
Its mandate includes the development and enforcement of regulatory frameworks, standardisation of technical operations, and alignment of governance systems across diverse national energy markets.
The Committee will serve as the technical anchor for the rollout of AfSEM’s protocols, helping countries adopt uniform trading platforms, compatible infrastructure, and integrated policy mechanisms that facilitate regional energy exchange.
Ghana’s Role in AfSEM’s Realisation
Ghana has long been an advocate for regional energy cooperation, participating actively in the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and investing in cross-border infrastructure.
The country’s involvement in AfSEM reflects its broader strategy to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and expand access to reliable power.
Ghana’s Deputy Minister highlighted that AfSEM will complement national energy reforms and help reduce generation costs by allowing countries to benefit from economies of scale and diversified supply sources.
“Ghana is ready to play its part—not only in advancing AfSEM’s technical goals but also in fostering the political goodwill and continental solidarity needed to make this vision work.”
Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah (MP), Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition
Addressing the stakeholders, the Deputy Minister stressed the importance of building consensus among member states, securing long-term investments, and developing human capital to support the market’s operations.
He urged the Committee and participating governments to accelerate the alignment of national electricity codes and regulatory instruments to support AfSEM’s objectives.
“Now is the time to act with ambition, technical rigor, and a spirit of collaboration.
“Africa cannot afford to delay. Our citizens need electricity to thrive, and our economies require reliable energy to grow.”
Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah (MP), Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition
The inauguration of the AfSEM Technical Oversight Committee marks a critical juncture in the continent’s energy transformation journey.
As Africa’s population and economies continue to grow, sustainable and affordable power will be a linchpin for development, competitiveness, and climate resilience.
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