AEC 2018: Energy integration in Africa crucial for regional integration and trade

Abstract

Energy integration in Africa is crucial to catalyse regional integration while intra-African trade has been proven to reduce environmental deterioration, two new studies unveiled at the 2018 African Economic Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, revealed. In a paper presented on Regional Integration and Energy Sustainability in Africa: Exploring the Challenges and Prospects for ECOWAS, Opeyemi Akinyemi said regional integration plays a crucial role in enhancing energy sustainability as a key infrastructure for development on the continent. Findings of the study reveal that there are prospects and benefits for energy integration in the region. Regional integration, says Mr. Akinyemi, can strengthen Africa’s energy sector through human capital development, adoption of common infrastructural network and institutions, and a harmonized policy and regulatory framework for a smooth integration across the member countries. “It is recommended that the political economy surrounding regional energy integration should be given a priority among member States to ensure that there is positive political will for speedy achievement of set goals. Also, investment in human capital to manage the numerous projects and resources; and maintain the facilities cannot be over-emphasized,” he said. The study results were unveiled by Atif Awad in a presentation titled; Does Economic Integration Damage or Benefit the Environment at the 2018 African Economic Conference in Kigali, Rwanda.