Africa is advancing regional integration and economic development through transformative cross-border energy initiatives. These projects – including electricity interconnectors, pipelines and railways – aim to enhance energy security and connectivity across the continent.
Ethiopia–Kenya–Tanzania Electricity Highway
The Ethiopia–Kenya–Tanzania Electricity Highway is a groundbreaking infrastructure project designed to deliver sustainable energy and drive economic growth across Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. The first phase, the Ethiopia–Kenya Transmission Line, was completed at a cost of €1.26 billion, with partial funding from the African Development Bank. Powered by Ethiopia’s hydroelectric dams, it currently transmits 200 MW of electricity to Kenya through converter stations in Sodo and Suswa.
The second phase, connecting Kenya and Tanzania, has entered trial operations, featuring a capacity of 2,000 MW. Together, the two phases are expected to generate $200 million annually through power trade, capitalizing on Ethiopia’s abundant energy resources. Future plans include extending the project to South Sudan, with technical evaluations underway.
South Sudan–Sudan Pipeline Restoration
The restoration of operations for the South Sudan–Sudan oil pipeline marks a significant step toward regional energy stability. This pipeline is a critical conduit for transporting South Sudan’s crude oil through Sudan for export, and its revival addresses global energy demands while boosting revenue for both nations. On January 7, South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum announced the imminent resumption of production from the Dar Petroleum Operating Company, starting at a daily rate of 90,000 barrels per day in February. This initiative underscores the importance of regional cooperation in leveraging shared resources to promote economic recovery and resilience amid historical challenges.
Lobito Corridor Railway and Energy Infrastructure (Angola–DRC–Zambia)
The Lobito Corridor railway project seeks to enhance regional trade and connectivity by linking Angola’s Lobito Port to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia. With $200 million in funding from the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the $786.4 million initiative will improve cargo transport efficiency and reduce costs for exporters.
Spanning 1,289 km, the railway will facilitate the export of essential minerals like copper and cobalt from the DRC, vital for renewable energy technologies, to global markets via Lobito Port. Local content is being prioritized, with half of the railway wagons being sourced from a South African manufacturer, supporting regional job creation. Upon completion, the Lobito Corridor will strengthen trade, industrial development and energy transition efforts across the Southern African Development Community.
Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline
The Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline, also known as the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, is a $26 billion megaproject connecting Nigeria’s natural gas reserves to North Africa and Europe via Morocco. Spanning 6,800 km – 5,100 of which are offshore – the pipeline will traverse 13 ECOWAS nations, as well as Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The initiative is set to enhance economic integration, reduce gas flaring in Nigeria and boost energy security. It is also projected to create significant job opportunities while supplying natural gas to millions across its route.
East Africa Power Pool Day Ahead Market
The East Africa Power Pool (EAPP), comprising 13 member countries, is set to launch a centralized Day Ahead Market (DAM) in 2025. This energy trading platform will facilitate efficient electricity trade, improving accessibility, reliability and affordability for over 620 million people in the region. The DAM will also reduce dependency on costly fossil fuels by enabling countries to harness and exchange renewable energy more efficiently. This initiative demonstrates the potential of regional cooperation to address Africa’s energy challenges while promoting sustainable development.
