Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — July 1, 2025 — Africa has taken a decisive leap toward establishing a unified, secure, and sustainable electricity market with the successful conclusion of the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) High-Level Technical Meeting. Held from June 30 to July 1 at the African Union Headquarters, this landmark gathering brought together senior officials, technical experts, representatives from AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities (REC’s), Power Pools, regulatory authorities, Energy centers of Excellence, international development and financing partners, and key energy stakeholders.

A Historic Milestone in Africa’s Energy Vision

Under the theme “Advancing AfSEM and CMP Implementation, Strengthening Regional Power Markets for a Unified and Sustainable African Electricity Future,” the meeting heralded the official launch of the AfSEM High-Level Technical Oversight Committee an essential technical governance organ for this ambitious integration initiative. Projected to serve over 1.5 billion Africans by 2040, AfSEM a flagship of the African Union Agenda 2063, aims to transform Africa into the world’s largest integrated electricity market, covering all 55 AU Member States as part of the Continental Power System Master Plan (CMP).

Key Highlights and Strategic Outlook

Dr. Kamugisha Kazaura, Director of Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union Commission, emphasized the historic significance of the meeting, highlighting its role in laying the institutional foundations and operational strategies necessary for a vibrant continental energy market. “This gathering marks the start of our shared journey to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power across Africa,” he affirmed.

Mr. Tichakunda Simbini of AUDA-NEPAD celebrated notable achievements—including the operationalization of the Kenya–Tanzania interconnector and ongoing efforts toward full regional power pool integration—signaling tangible progress toward continental energy connectivity.

Mr. Wale Shonibare of the African Development Bank underscored that AfSEM is not merely aspirational but an achievable catalyst for economic growth and sustainable industrialization. He highlighted the alignment with the Mission 300 initiative, which seeks to halve Africa’s energy access gap and deliver 300 million new connections by 2030, driven by political will, donor support, and private sector engagement.

European Union Delegation Head Mr. Gianluca Azzoni praised the strategic importance of AfSEM, emphasizing ongoing EU support through initiatives like the Africa–Europe Green Energy Initiative (AEGEI). Ms. Monika Rammelt of GIZ, reaffirm the Germany’s commitment through technical assistance to AfSEM and CMP, fostering closer collaboration across stakeholders.

Driving Private Sector Participation & Investment

To unlock private capital and accelerate regional energy projects, stakeholders identified three key priorities: ensuring financially viable utilities, enhancing regional interconnection, and broadening private sector engagement—particularly in strengthening policy and regulatory framework, vibrant enabling environment, transmission and distribution infrastructure.

A Vision for Africa’s Energy Future

As the gathering concluded, stakeholders unanimously agreed on aligning AfSEM with broader continental priorities and preparing policy recommendations for submission to the African Union’s specialized Technical Committee in October 2025. These efforts aim to bolster Africa’s leadership in global climate and energy discussions, notably at G20 and COP30 platforms.

Quote from AU Energy Leadership

Mrs. Sara Elhag, Head of the African Union Commission’s Energy Division, reflected, “This meeting has set the stage for a transformative era in Africa’s energy landscape. Continued coordination, innovation, and commitment are vital as we progress toward a unified electricity market that serves every African with clean, affordable power.”

About AfSEM and CMP

The African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) represents Africa’s bold vision to develop the largest integrated power market in the world, promoting cross-border electricity trade and accelerate universal energy access. The Continental Power System Master Plan (CMP) provides the technical blueprint to achieve this goal, outlining strategic infrastructure investments for a resilient, climate-aligned network across all African nations.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Sara Ibrahim Ahmed Elhag | Head of Energy Division | Directorate of Infrastructure and Energy | African Union Commission | E-mail: [email protected] | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

For Media Inquiries: 

Ms. Bezayit Eyoel | Information Analyst | Department of Infrastructure and Energy | African Union Commission| E-mail: [email protected]|

Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar |Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: [email protected]

For further information, please contact:

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: [email protected]
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