ECREEE marks ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary with a conference on sustainable energy in Mindelo

Mindelo, April 24, 2026 – As part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), in partnership with the University of Mindelo, held a conference dedicated to sustainable energy, bringing together experts from the private sector, academics, students, and representatives of civil society.
The main objective of the event was to reflect and promote knowledge exchange on the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Cabo Verde and across the ECOWAS region, while reinforcing the role of regional cooperation in the energy transition.
During the opening session, ECREEE’s Acting Executive Director, Gibson Obasi, highlighted the symbolism of celebrating ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary as a moment not only for reflection, but also for projecting the future of regional integration. In his remarks, he emphasized that sustainable energy is an essential condition for inclusive economic and social development, enabling the creation of opportunities, improving people’s quality of life, and strengthening the resilience of countries in the region.
He further reaffirmed ECREEE’s commitment to promoting policies and initiatives that encourage the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency, while also stressing the importance of youth engagement and the active participation of women as drivers of innovation and transformation in the energy sector.
During the discussion panels, the first panel addressed the integration of renewable energy into the national electricity grid. Participants highlighted the progress made in Cabo Verde, as well as the technical challenges related to managing intermittency, grid stability, and the need for investment in modern infrastructure.
The second panel focused on the role of women in shaping the future of ECOWAS’ energy sector, highlighting the importance of gender equality, capacity building, and the recognition of women’s skills in implementing sustainable energy solutions.
Throughout the debates, Cabo Verde’s position as a regional example in the field of clean energy was also emphasized, as well as the need to strengthen partnerships and synergies to accelerate the energy transition in West Africa.