An energy expert, Hary Andriantavy of the African Association for Rural Electrification (CLUB-ER), has urged members of the ECOWAS Parliament to enact enabling laws that will accelerate universal access to electricity across West Africa.

Mr Andriantavy made the call on Wednesday while presenting a paper on “The Impact of Energy Access on Rural Economies: Agro-Processing and Livelihoods.”

It was at the ongoing delocalised meeting of the parliament’s Joint Committee on Energy and Mines, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, and Infrastructure in Dakar.

The meeting is with the theme, “Harnessing Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification and Empowerment of Rural Economies in the ECOWAS Region: The Role of ECOWAS Parliament.”

According to him, parliamentarians have a critical role to play in creating an enabling environment for energy expansion through supportive legislation, policy reforms and adequate financing mechanisms.

He advocated the establishment of dedicated national renewable energy funds, increased budgetary allocations and tax incentives, including the removal of value-added taxes on solar and hydroelectric equipment to make off-grid electricity more affordable.

The expert also called for favourable legal frameworks to support decentralised mini-grids, clean energy technologies, productive-use applications and inclusive energy justice policies.

In addition, he urged lawmakers to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, ensure accountability in government actions and promote evidence-based policymaking.

Mr Andriantavy described universal energy access as a catalyst for economic development, saying it could unlock rural economic potential, reduce poverty and accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across West Africa.

“Access to electricity must be viewed not merely as a means of lighting homes but as a catalyst for economic transformation, job creation, improved healthcare, and social inclusion.

“Electricity goes far beyond household lighting, serving as a critical driver of economic development, better education, healthcare delivery, and reducing the isolation of remote populations.

“Energy access has impacts across four key areas: economic development and productive use of energy, basic social services such as health and education, quality of life and social inclusion, and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Highlighting the productive value of energy access, Mr Andriantavy said electricity-powered activities such as agro-processing, grain milling, welding and clean cooking solutions were essential to transforming rural economies and reducing inequalities, particularly among women.

He noted that inadequate electricity supply continued to constrain healthcare services, educational opportunities and overall socio-economic development in many rural communities.

The expert further cited several global initiatives that recognise energy access as central to development.

According to him, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) considers access to energy indispensable for achieving the SDGs, while the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) underscores its role in supporting millions of jobs and livelihoods through a just energy transition.

He added that Mission 300, an initiative aimed at connecting 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, also demonstrates how electricity supports home lighting, access to information, vaccine preservation in health facilities and large-scale employment generation.

Mr Andriantavy said the Rockefeller Foundation similarly identifies the absence of electricity as one of the strongest indicators of extreme poverty, while energy abundance provides pathways to employment, prosperity, digital inclusion and women’s empowerment.

He also referenced recommendations from Climate Parliament, which advocates integrating energy access into poverty reduction and green transition strategies.

To illustrate the impact of renewable energy interventions, Mr Andriantavy highlighted successful projects in Mali, Benin and Togo, where renewable energy-powered economic zones and mini-grid schemes have stimulated local enterprises and improved living conditions.

“Projects, such as the Electrified Activity Zones (ZAE) implemented by French NGO GERES in Mali and community mini-grid initiatives in Benin and Togo, have delivered significant results,” he said.

According to him, the projects have boosted business turnover, increased value addition to agricultural products, created jobs, expanded financial inclusion and strengthened community ownership.

“These projects have also enhanced public services, improved quality of life, and encouraged talent retention in rural communities,” he added. 

(NAN)