African Power Pools: How Regional Integration Can Strengthen Energy Security

Read the entire article here.

Regional electricity integration could be a game-changer for Africa, helping countries address persistent electricity challenges and attract investment in energy infrastructure, according to the African Energy Chamber’s State of African Energy 2026 Outlook. By developing larger, interconnected markets, nations can create alternative offtake solutions, reduce project risks and enable economies of scale. Five regional power pools have been established across the continent – Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, Western Africa, Central Africa and North Africa – to facilitate cross-border electricity trade, share resources and coordinate energy policies.

The Outlook notes that the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) stands out as the most advanced. Its robust institutional framework, high degree of grid interconnection and transparent electricity market have enabled efficient trading and optimized resource use. SAPP serves as a model for regional integration, allowing member countries to benefit from reliable power exchanges and a diversified generation mix. Yet, even here, challenges remain: trading remains limited relative to total demand, liquidity is low and transmission constraints persist, highlighting the need for continued investment and market development.

Source: African Energy Chamber