AfDB, AUDA-NEPAD to work on blueprint masterplan for pan-African electricity network

The African Development Bank is committed to develop a blueprint for a pan-continental electricity network and market in association with the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD.

“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,” a Senior Energy Advisor to AUDA-NEPAD’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Mosad Elmissiry opined.

The agreement to create a Continental Power System Master Plan between the African Development Bank and African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) was unveiled during the end of November on the sidelines of Programme for Infrastructure Development (PIDA) Week held in Cairo. The workshop also produced the Masterplan’s terms of reference.

The workshop was intended at advancing the launch of an Integrated Continental Transmission Network 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 Masterplan also will inform the energy component of a PIDA Action Plan, which focuses on key regional integration projects.

“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. The Bank plans to encourage private sector participation in transmission projects in the continent,” said Angela Nalikka, the African Development Bank’s manager for National and Regional Power Systems said while explain the impetus for the partnership.