AfrElec: COMESA energy infrastructure remains deficient despite renewables growth

In recent years, the overall share of renewable energy has seen notable growth within the member states of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), increasing to 6% over the past eight years from a mere 1%.

This progress is largely owing to policy and regulatory reforms enacted by member states. However, despite these advancements, significant deficiencies remain in the region’s energy infrastructure, Business Day Africa (BDA) reports.

Within the COMESA region, thermal power commands a significant share of the energy landscape, making up over 76% of the total installed power generation capacity estimated at 100,000 MW. Hydropower accounts for 24%, according to COMESA’s recent report.

These figures were highlighted during the 13th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA), held in Cairo, Egypt, on May 15-16, 2024.

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