Keypoints:
- AfSEM forum maps one grid for Africa
- Leaders pledge universal power by 2040
- Financing and policy harmonisation key drivers
CAIRO became the focal point of Africa’s power ambitions late last month as the Second African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) Forum signalled a bold step towards a unified continental grid.
Held alongside the 21st Congress and 55th Anniversary of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA), the gathering showcased a strong commitment to achieving universal access to electricity and deeper integration by 2040. The event brought together regulators, utilities, financiers, and global investors, all united under the banner: One Grid. One Market. One Vision.
Energy leaders set the tone
Among the high-profile attendees were Eng. Gaber Desouki Mostafa, Chairman of Egypt’s Electricity Holding Company; Eng. Abel Didier Tella, Director General of APUA; Stephen Dihwa, Executive Director of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP); Henry Paul Batchi Baldeh, Director of Power Systems Development at the African Development Bank (AfDB); and Dr Ahmed Mohena, First Undersecretary at Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, H.E. Lerato Mataboge, Ms. Sara Elhag described AfSEM as a historic initiative:
‘AfSEM is an initiative by Africa, for Africa. When fully implemented, it will establish one continental grid stable, affordable, and accessible to all.’
For more than half a billion Africans without electricity, this project represents not only infrastructure but hope.
From policy to power
AfSEM, adopted in 2024 as a Flagship Project of the AU’s Agenda 2063, seeks to connect national grids while also supporting off-grid and mini-grid solutions. This dual approach is intended to ensure that no community is left behind in Africa’s energy transition.
‘Energy is the heartbeat of development,’ Elhag stressed. ‘AfSEM doesn’t just connect grids, it connects futures.’
Technical sessions at the Forum centred on financing the continent’s energy future. Shehu Khaleel, Senior Energy Advisor at the African Union Commission, said AfSEM provides the stable and transparent environment that investors seek.
Panelists from IRENA, AfDB, and Egypt’s EEHC agreed that harmonised policies and regulatory certainty could unlock billions of dollars in funding for renewable generation, transmission, and cross-border interconnections.
A continental master plan
A milestone celebrated at the Forum was the completion of Phase III of the Continental Power System Master Plan (CMP). For the first time, Africa has a harmonised investment blueprint identifying priority projects across all five regional power pools.
According to the AU Department of Infrastructure and Energy, this marks a move away from fragmented national planning to a continental system capable of delivering efficiency, resilience, and cost savings.
Key partners driving AfSEM forward include AUDA-NEPAD for development coordination, AfDB for finance, UNECA for analysis, and APUA, AFUR, AFSEC, and the regional power pools for integration. International partners such as the EU, BMZ, IRENA, and the IEA are providing technical support.
Linking power to trade
Observers noted the synergy between AfSEM and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). A single electricity market promises more than lights—it means competitive tariffs, industrial growth, and sustainable prosperity.
By enabling cross-border trade and reducing costs, AfSEM could serve as a driver of Africa’s economic renaissance.
‘One grid, one market, one vision’
Closing the Forum, Elhag delivered a rousing call to action:
‘Let us light every home, power every school, and energise every industry. By 2040, Africa will stand united—one grid, one market, one vision.’
The Cairo forum, far from being just another conference, lit the spark of what many see as Africa’s energy revolution.
