ECOWAS Backs Guinea-Bissau’s Push for a Sustainable National Energy Policy
Bissau, November 10, 2025 – In a significant step toward energy security, Guinea-Bissau has concluded a series of high-level workshops to validate its new National Energy Policy. The initiative, held from November 5-7 and supported by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), aims to chart a course for a more reliable and sustainable power future for the nation.
Forging a Collaborative Path Forward
The workshops served as a crucial platform for public validation, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders. Representatives from public institutions, the private sector, and civil society gathered to scrutinize and debate the strategic directions laid out in the draft policy document. This collaborative approach ensures the final policy is not just a government decree but a nationally-owned framework built on broad consensus.
High-Level Endorsement for a Critical Initiative
The project’s importance was underscored by the participation of senior officials. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Energy, Guinea-Bissau’s Director-General of Energy, Mr. Carlos Alberto Handem, expressed gratitude for ECOWAS’s sustained partnership. “This support is pivotal for our national development efforts in the energy sector,” he noted, highlighting the project’s role in addressing the country’s power challenges.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Arnaud Kouadio Bah, representing the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), reaffirmed the regional body’s commitment. He stated that ECOWAS is determined to assist Guinea-Bissau in establishing a high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable energy policy that leaves no one behind.
The ROGEAP Project: A Catalyst for Regional Energy Access
The technical and financial backing for this initiative comes through the ROGEAP project, a major regional program funded by the World Bank, the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), and the Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS). The project is being implemented by the ECOWAS Commission’s Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization, in close partnership with the West African Development Bank (WADB).
By focusing on both grid and off-grid solutions, ROGEAP’s support is instrumental in helping member states like Guinea-Bissau bridge the energy access gap. The development of a coherent national policy is the first, essential step in unlocking further investments and building a resilient energy sector capable of powering economic growth and improving the lives of citizens.