East African nations are set to revolutionize energy trading by launching a regional power market in 2025, marking a key milestone in their bid to enhance energy access, affordability, and sustainability. The initiative, spearheaded by the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) and supported by the World Bank, is expected to benefit over 620 million people across the region.
The proposed Day Ahead Market (DAM) will enable competitive trading of electricity using shared infrastructure and renewable energy resources. Officials emphasize that the market will provide reliable and cost-effective energy, boosting economic productivity and fostering sustainable development.
The announcement was made at a high-level ministerial conference in Mombasa, where energy ministers, regulators, and development partners reviewed progress and outlined a roadmap for implementation. Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. James Opiyo Wandayi, underscored the importance of regional cooperation, highlighting efforts to align national energy priorities with regional objectives.
“As policymakers, it is our duty to create an enabling environment for this market to thrive,” Wandayi stated. “This includes fostering cooperation, addressing regulatory bottlenecks, and ensuring our priorities align with regional goals.”
The power market aims to harness the region’s abundant renewable energy resources while enhancing the reliability and affordability of electricity supply. Countries within the EAPP are finalizing institutional mechanisms, technical frameworks, and governance structures to ensure seamless cross-border trade.
Hon. Okasai Opolot, Chairperson of the EAPP Council of Ministers, stressed the importance of aligning regional policies to achieve a unified market framework. “By championing regional integration—lower costs, enhanced resilience, and accelerated renewable energy development—we can inspire collective action for sustainable progress,” Opolot said.
