The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) has concluded a landmark Regional Training-of-Trainers workshop aimed at boosting the deployment of clean energy mini-grids across West Africa.
The two-week intensive programme, held from October 20 to 31, 2025, at the ESMER Academy in Allada, Benin, represents a major step toward strengthening the region’s renewable energy workforce. The initiative forms part of Phase 1 of the Desert-to-Power West Africa Regional Energy Programme (DtP-WAREP), funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), and directly supports the rollout of Level 2 of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Skills Certification Scheme.
In his closing remarks, ECREEE Acting Executive Director, Mr. Gibson Obasi, described the workshop as a critical milestone in operationalizing the regional certification system. “We are confident that the trained experts will apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their respective countries,” he said. “Sustained individual and institutional commitment is essential for long-term impact.”
The workshop convened 24 expert trainers from eight partner Training and Examination Centres across the ECOWAS region. Developed by the Renewables Academy (RENAC) and validated by regional experts, the curriculum combined rigorous theoretical instruction with hands-on exercises and field visits, equipping participants with advanced technical and teaching competencies.
Director General of ESMER Academy, Mr. Felix Ebo, and RENAC representative, Mr. Salem Kadi, also addressed participants, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in scaling renewable energy solutions.
The newly certified trainers are now expected to lead national-level training and examinations for energy professionals, project developers, and technicians. This multiplier effect is projected to expand the pool of certified mini-grid designers, installers, and inspectors capable of working across ECOWAS Member States.
ECREEE says this capacity-building effort is crucial to accelerating energy access in rural and underserved communities, ensuring the availability of skilled expertise necessary for the design and deployment of reliable, clean energy mini-grid systems throughout the region.
