News Single

Lusaka, Monday, January 20, 2026: Energy regulators from Eastern and Southern Africa convened virtually for a Special Executive Committee Meeting of the Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) to review progress and approve the Association’s strategic and financial direction for 2026.

Opening the meeting, the Chairperson of the Executive Committee, Daniel Kiptoo, welcomed members and underscored the critical role of effective energy regulation in advancing regional integration, economic transformation, and sustainable development within the COMESA region. He reiterated RAERESA’s mandate to promote harmonised regulatory frameworks, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance cooperation among national regulators to support transparent, credible, and investment-friendly energy markets while expanding access to reliable and affordable energy.

Daniel Kiptoo commended Member States for the successful implementation of Phase One of the Harmonisation of Regulatory Frameworks and Tools for Improved Electricity Regulation project, describing it as a major milestone toward establishing common regulatory standards across the region. He encouraged continued support for Phase Two, which will focus on domestication and practical application of the frameworks at national level to deliver tangible benefits to markets and consumers.

He further applauded the RAERESA Secretariat and the COMESA Secretariat for their leadership and institutional support, congratulated newly appointed Executive Committee members, and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to strengthening emerging regulators. The Chairperson also congratulated the RAERESA Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Geoffrey Aori Mabea, on his appointment and academic achievement, expressing confidence in his leadership as the organisation advances a resilient and forward-looking regulatory landscape.

During the meeting, the RAERESA Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Geoffrey Aori Mabea, presented the Secretariat’s Action Plan for 2026 together with the proposed budget, outlining priority programmes aligned with continental and global development agendas. The Executive Committee subsequently approved the Action Plan, which focuses on harmonised regulatory frameworks, renewable energy development, regional electricity market advancement, institutional strengthening, and improved energy data systems.

The Secretariat also highlighted ongoing support to initiatives such as the African Single Electricity Market and the Eastern Africa Power Pool, as well as plans to enhance market surveillance and develop a regional centre of excellence on green hydrogen. Expanded capacity-building programmes—including technical workshops, peer learning, and research collaboration—are expected to further strengthen regulatory effectiveness across Member States.

The Committee reviewed the Secretariat’s financial performance for 2025 and endorsed the proposed 2026 budget to facilitate operational activities, strategic programmes, and institutional development. Funding will be sourced from member contributions, accumulated funds, and grants, with increased resource mobilisation identified as essential for long-term sustainability.

Members emphasized the importance of timely remittance of membership contributions and sustained participation by regulators to mitigate operational risks and ensure effective programme implementation. Strengthened collaboration with development partners will further support priority initiatives across the region.

The meeting adopted the report with amendments and closed with appreciation to members for their continued commitment to advancing regional cooperation and strengthening energy regulation in the COMESA region.