Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, has called for urgent reforms to improve energy supply across West Africa. He warned that weak electricity systems continue to undermine industrialization, digital transformation, and investment in the region.
Speaking at the 2026 West Africa Economic Integration and Investment Summit in Freetown, Yumkella emphasized that reliable energy is the foundation for sustainable development and regional economic growth.
He noted that countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea are richly endowed with natural resources, including iron ore, bauxite, and gold. However, he said the region has struggled to translate these resources into broad-based prosperity.
Yumkella stressed that continued reliance on exporting raw materials without local processing limits economic benefits. He also pointed to poor coordination among countries, weak energy infrastructure, and inefficiencies in revenue management as major barriers to growth.
According to him, without a stable electricity supply, industries cannot thrive, digital systems cannot operate efficiently, and investors will remain hesitant to commit to the region. He emphasized that improving power generation and distribution must be treated as an urgent priority.
He further called for stronger regional cooperation, noting that initiatives such as the West African Power Pool provide a solid framework but require greater political will and faster implementation to deliver meaningful results.
The summit, held at the Bintumani Conference Centre, brought together policymakers, development partners, and experts from across the Economic Community of West African States subregion. Discussions focused on advancing energy trade, digital transformation, agribusiness, and mineral development.
Other speakers highlighted the importance of effectively implementing development programmes, investing in digital infrastructure, and strengthening policy support to unlock innovation and create jobs, particularly for young people.
Participants are expected to develop actionable strategies aimed at improving energy access, promoting local value addition, and accelerating economic integration across West Africa.