Asia Pacific University Library catalogue

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation for the degree of B.A (Hons) in International Relations (APT3F1911IR).

The region of Western Africa is one that has many geographical advantages and gifts. These include its abundance of coastline, tropical temperatures of over 31°Cand many natural resources. These qualities allow for the region to be able to fully depend on renewable energy sources such as hydropower, solar, wind, biomass etc. However this is not the case; the region mainly relies on fossil fuels imports as a source of energy. The region suffers from an inadequate energy supply where under 30% of the total 397.2 million population has access to electricity. For the 30% that have the access they face a number of challenges ranging from an average of 56 blackouts yearly, to extremely unaffordable prices of electricity.

In 2010, ECOWAS introduced the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) which was a huge step in the development of renewable energy for the future. However, 10 years later, the efforts and progress of ECREEE are still questionable as the region still faces energy scarcity. This paper analyses the cause of this problem and dissects the thoughts of the West African general population on the energy supply in their home countries. This study involves all 15 member states of the ECOWAS.

Despite the presence of renewable energy potential in the region, West Africa faces challenges in its development due to an increasingly overlapping priority list that stem from poverty, inequality and conflict in the region. The lack of transparency and adequate government policies leads to budget deficit in critical areas such as the energy sector. The regions also face challenges in its lack of technological advancements which require international aid that may in turn not be beneficial for West Africa.

In its struggle to find a balance between clean and affordable energy and convenience in transition, the region is taking longer in its implementation that is paired with social, political and economic dilemmas.