ECOWAS Rural Energy Projects Deliver Jobs, Enterprise Growth Beyond Electricity — Munir

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Renewable energy projects being implemented across rural communities in West Africa are driving economic growth, creating jobs and reducing poverty, according to the Vice Chairman of the ECOWAS Parliament Committee on Infrastructure, Hon. Ahmed Munir.
Speaking with journalists during the Delocalized Meeting of the Joint Committee on Infrastructure, Agriculture, Energy and Mines in Dakar, Munir said firsthand observations from field visits to communities benefiting from solar-powered energy systems demonstrated that rural electrification is generating tangible socio-economic benefits.

According to him, the impact of renewable energy extends far beyond household lighting, as local businesses and productive enterprises are increasingly leveraging electricity to improve livelihoods and stimulate economic activities.

“What we witnessed in the communities was prosperity, not just electricity. Access to power has enabled women to produce and sell ice blocks using deep freezers, tailors are running their businesses efficiently, and several other enterprises are flourishing,” he said.

Munir noted that the ripple effects of rural electrification have also boosted indirect economic activities, with food vendors and small-scale entrepreneurs extending operating hours and increasing their earnings.

He further revealed that renewable energy initiatives are creating opportunities for youth engagement through technical training, maintenance services and entrepreneurship.

“Young people are actively participating. Some have developed skills in maintaining solar installations, while others have ventured into food processing and various income-generating activities. Engaging directly with these communities allowed us to appreciate the real impact of these projects,” he stated.

The Nigerian lawmaker stressed that the long-term success of renewable energy projects would depend on community participation and ownership.

He argued that while governments and development partners play important roles in financing and implementing projects, local communities must take responsibility for sustaining and expanding the initiatives.

“Government resources are finite, and private investors may not always prioritise remote communities. Local populations must take ownership of these projects. Women and youth, in particular, have significant roles to play in ensuring revenues generated are reinvested for maintenance and expansion,” he said.

Addressing concerns over infrastructure maintenance in rural areas, Munir said the ECOWAS Parliament would continue providing legislative support and policy advocacy to accelerate renewable energy deployment across the region.

He described many of the projects visited as pilot interventions capable of being replicated on a larger scale.

“The systems currently serving a handful of communities can be expanded to power larger towns, cities and industries.

The ECOWAS Parliament has adopted its report and will continue to amplify the message to ensure these successes are replicated throughout the region,” he added.

Munir also called on investors, renewable energy developers and development finance institutions to take advantage of growing opportunities within Africa’s energy sector.

According to him, governments across West Africa are strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks designed to attract investment and provide confidence for long-term participation in renewable energy projects.

“Africa offers enormous opportunities for renewable energy investment. There is a ready market, and there is increasing political commitment. Our objective is to establish policies and incentives that encourage investment while ensuring sustainable returns,” he said.

He emphasised that stronger collaboration among governments, investors and local communities would be essential to unlocking the full potential of renewable energy as a driver of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across the ECOWAS region.