By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz has been unanimously re-elected Chairman of the Executive Board of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) for another three-year tenure.
His re-election took place during the 68th Meeting of the WAPP Executive Board, held in Lomé, Togo, on October 8 and 9, 2026.
Speaking after his re-election, Abdulaziz thanked members of the Board for their confidence and pledged to continue working with them to advance the organization’s objectives and strengthen regional electricity cooperation.
He urged member utilities to embrace collective responsibility in developing a viable regional electricity market, stressing that Board meetings must produce decisions that improve WAPP’s capacity to meet the energy needs of West Africa.
Abdulaziz recalled that the 67th Board Meeting approved principles for the progressive establishment of the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO), while ensuring operational continuity through the transitional role of the WAPP Information and Coordination Centre (ICC).
He said the Board must ensure that the decisions are implemented within a sound legal, institutional and financial framework that safeguards the interests of WAPP and its members.
The chairman also emphasized the importance of statutory contributions to the organization’s financial autonomy and operational capacity, urging member utilities to meet their financial obligations while the Secretariat pursues cost-reduction measures without compromising critical functions.
On the technical front, Abdulaziz highlighted network synchronization and the launch of the regional electricity market as key priorities, noting that synchronization must be supported by coordinated system operations, adequate security arrangements and market readiness among stakeholders.
He added that the regional electricity market would only achieve its objectives if supported by clear rules, reliable data, credible financial mechanisms and effective, independent governance.
Earlier, WAPP Secretary General and Secretary of the Executive Board, Mr. Abdoulaye Dia, said the organization had continued implementing institutional strengthening guidelines and measures towards the gradual operationalization of the ISMO since the 67th meeting.
Dia explained that functional and accounting unbundling, alongside an orderly transition, would enable the ICC to maintain operational continuity during Phase Two of the Regional Electricity Market.
He attributed WAPP’s growing visibility to the progress recorded by the organization, which had also attracted new partnerships.
The Secretary General reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to developing an integrated, reliable and competitive regional electricity system ahead of the planned launch of the market’s second phase early next year.
He also called on member utilities to settle outstanding contributions, stressing that regular funding, sound financial management and collective discipline were essential to WAPP’s credibility and effective service delivery.
The meeting considered a restructuring study on the operationalization of the ISMO, aimed at aligning the organization with best practices and reducing the risk of political interference as the regional electricity market evolves.
The Board also adopted the Charter of the Forum for Women in Energy in West Africa and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Millennium Challenge Account Côte d’Ivoire.
It welcomed new representatives from member utilities, including Mr. Lawrent Tossou, Managing Director of Société Béninoise d’Énergie Électrique (SBEE), representing Benin; Mr. Amidou Traore, Director General of CI-ENERGIES; and Mr. Julien Sagna, representing Société de Gestion de l’Énergie de Manantali (SOGEM).
Additionally, the Board reviewed membership applications from four utilities seeking to join the regional power pool. They are Konexa of Nigeria; SOGESART, responsible for the Sambangalou energy project and electricity transmission network in Senegal; SOGEOH, which manages energy infrastructure in the upper Senegal River basin; and HOLDEN-Niger SARL, an independent power producer from Niger.
The applications will be submitted for ratification at the WAPP General Assembly scheduled to hold before the end of the year.
