Status of Energy in the COMESA Region
Monday, March 9, 2020
Dear RegionWeek Reader
The total installed power generation capacity in the COMESA region is 92,00 megawatts (MW) with Thermal power dominating at more than 69% and Hydro (large and small) accounting for 30%.
This was disclosed during the 9th Annual General Meeting of the COMESA Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) that held last week in Addis Ababa.
The Chairperson of RAERESA Dr. Fredrick Nyang told delegates that the main challenge for many COMESA countries is that generation capacity is not enough to cover the nation’s own needs and allow for cross-border trade.
Sixteen countries including Ethiopia, Burundi, Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia, and Tunisia attended the AGM.
Ethiopian State Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy H.E Dr. Frehiwot Woldehana who opened the meeting observed that approaches are needed to increase generation capacity and minimize the current system losses of electricity. He noted that Africa was losing 12.5% of production time as a result of chronic power outages thus holding back the continent’s potential for growth.
Citing recent studies, the Minister said the low levels of competitiveness of countries in the local and regional markets were due to lack of adequate infrastructure in energy in the COMESA region. (COMESA)
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IN THE REGION
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The United Nations - African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) expresses deep regret at the attempted assassination of Dr. Abdalla Hamdok, Sudan’s Prime Minister. UNAMID’s Joint Special Representative (JSR) Jeremiah Mamabolo said “we are both deeply shocked and saddened by this serious incident. It is indicative that the perpetrator(s) of such a heinous act aims to derail the transitional period. The hopes of the Sudanese people for a transition to peace, freedom, and justice must prevail.” “UNAMID and its leadership reiterate their full support to PM Hamdok in his endeavors to see Sudan through a successful transition in a manner that achieves the hopes and aspirations of the Sudanese people for a peaceful, stable and prosperous future” JSR Mamabolo concluded. (APO)
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