In a major push toward a unified African electricity market, Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) and Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) have signed a landmark cooperation agreement aimed at accelerating cross-border electricity trade and strengthening regional energy security.
The agreement, signed on February 20, 2026, marks a strategic shift from national energy planning toward a more integrated continental power system. Energy experts say the deal could accelerate progress toward the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of a fully connected African energy market.
New Era of Regional Energy Cooperation
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, Acting Director General of the EAPP regulatory arm, and Eng. Stephen Dihwa, Executive Director of SAPP. The pact establishes joint mechanisms for harmonizing electricity market rules, monitoring cross-border trade, and coordinating transmission infrastructure development.
Officials say the partnership aims to reduce electricity costs, improve grid reliability, and create a more attractive environment for energy investors across both regions.
Unlocking Power Trade to Close Africa’s Energy Gap
Africa continues to face persistent electricity shortages despite significant generation potential. Analysts argue that regional power trading offers a practical solution by allowing countries with surplus electricity generation to supply deficit markets.
The EAPP–SAPP collaboration is expected to help optimize power infrastructure investments while supporting the integration of renewable energy sources into regional grids.
Energy sector analysts say interconnection between East and Southern Africa could help stabilize electricity supply during peak demand periods and reduce dependence on expensive emergency power generation.
Learning from Southern Africa’s Mature Power Market
The agreement follows a week-long technical study tour by EAPP regulators to SAPP operations in Harare from February 16–20, 2026. The tour focused on benchmarking regulatory systems, market surveillance mechanisms, and sanctions enforcement frameworks.
The mission was supported by development partners including GET.Transform, the African Development Bank, and the African Union Commission, bringing together 25 regional energy officials and technical experts.
SAPP, established in 1995 under the Southern African Development Community, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most advanced regional electricity markets. The system serves nearly 390 million people, with an installed generation capacity of about 80 gigawatts and operating capacity of roughly 48 gigawatts.
Strategic Implications for Africa’s Energy Future
Experts believe the regulatory partnership could become a model for other African regions seeking to strengthen energy cooperation. By aligning regulatory standards, the two power pools hope to encourage private sector investment and accelerate large-scale renewable energy projects.
The collaboration also signals growing momentum toward a continent-wide electricity trading platform, which policymakers believe could dramatically improve energy access rates across Africa.
As African economies expand and energy demand grows, regional electricity integration is increasingly seen not just as an infrastructure initiative but as a driver of economic transformation and industrial growth.
Looking Ahead
With deeper grid interconnection and regulatory cooperation, Eastern and Southern Africa are positioning themselves as key players in Africa’s evolving energy transition, setting the stage for stronger continental cooperation in the years ahead.
