Power underpins West African industrialisation with countries in the region working hard to address energy shortages. According to Matar Diop, sales manager for West and Central Africa at General Electric (GE), almost every country in the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has prioritised electricity delivery. Speaking in Cape Town recently, Diop said working as a collective there was a far bigger chance of success because by enabling countries to import cheaper sources of electricity it not only became more affordable but also more reliable. The World Bank estimates that integrated power trade in West Africa could lead to cost savings of $5 to $8 billion per year Diop said with a population of more than 350 million there was only about 30% electrification at present in the region.
