A four-day capacity building forum on development, financing and operation of mini-grids for private entrepreneurs in The Gambia opened on Tuesday. It is being organised by ECOWAS Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency- ECREEE in partnership with The Gambia Ministry of Petroleum and Energy,
The forum is part of efforts to promote adequate and reliable electricity among the ECOWAS member-states.
Kemo Ceesay, director of energy at the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, said in view of the significant role played by energy in the economic transformation of countries, the government of The Gambia had prioritized the provision of reliable, adequate and sustainable energy services in its development agenda.
According to him, this agenda of the government are clearly demonstrated by the ambitious goal of universal electrification and sustainable energy for all by 2030.
He revealed that, with support from the African Development Bank, The Gambia was developing an enabling framework for private sector-led green mini-grids market in The Gambia, adding that this was in recognition of the significant role mini-grids could play in universal electrification.
Baboucarr Njie, project manager ECOWAS Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency –ECREEE, commended the government through the ministry of Petroleum and Energy for the partnership that had been cultivated and nourished for the development of adequate and reliable energy in the sub-region.
He said the goal of universal access to energy in ECOWAS region by 2030, was an achievable one, noting that the electricity access rate of over 50 percent clearly showed a positive trend if the right policies were implemented.