West African Power Pool Re-elected Abdulaziz as Chair
Utility operators should track regional market shifts as the board prepares to launch a new power phase in early 2027.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in People
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Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz has been re-elected to a three-year term as Chairman of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) Executive Board. The board, which met in Lomé, Togo, also moved to expand regional integration by reviewing four new utility membership applications.
Why it matters
The board is pushing forward with the second phase of a regional electricity market, aiming to stabilize power distribution through structural reforms and the integration of new utility members. These moves reflect a broader effort to mitigate political interference and improve the operational reliability of regional energy grids.
The WAPP board confirmed a new 3-year term for the leadership and reviewed 4 new utility membership applications from regional firms. These additions follow the adoption of new charters and strategic partnerships intended to support the second phase of the regional electricity market.
The players
Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz
The re-elected Chairman of the West African Power Pool Executive Board who oversees regional energy coordination.
West African Power Pool
An international organization of power utilities tasked with integrating regional electricity markets and infrastructure.
TCN
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, a major utility entity involved in regional grid management.
Millennium Challenge Account Côte d'Ivoire
A development partner that recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the power pool.
The details
The board is implementing institutional strengthening by unbundling functional and accounting operations to support the WAPP Information and Coordination Centre. This structure is designed to professionalize the market and ensure the system remains operational during the transition to Phase Two. By adopting an Independent System and Market Operator framework, the organization is working to isolate power market functions from political interference.
Timeline
October 8-9, 2026: WAPP Executive Board meeting took place in Lomé.
October 11, 2026: TCN management issued a statement on the meeting outcomes.
End of 2026: WAPP General Assembly is expected to ratify new memberships.
Early 2027: Planned launch of the regional market's second phase.
Market Landscape
This development follows the formal adoption of principles for an Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) at the 67th board meeting. The move aligns the WAPP with best-practice utility models to ensure cross-border electricity stability.
Operators in the regional energy sector should monitor the upcoming ratification of new utilities as these firms will likely dictate new capacity requirements. Assess your current procurement and grid connection strategies in anticipation of the Phase Two market launch scheduled for early 2027.
The takeaway
Regional power integration is accelerating through formal unbundling and new membership growth. Operators should monitor the early 2027 launch of the market's second phase, as it will likely introduce new operational standards for regional energy utilities.
What happens next
The WAPP General Assembly is scheduled to vote on the ratification of four new utility membership applications by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For broader context on sector leadership and organizational shifts, visit our People section.
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