EAPP And SAPP Sign MoU To Boost Cross-Border Power Trade In Africa

A major step toward regional energy integration has been taken in Africa with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Independent Regulatory Board of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). The agreement was signed in late February 2026 in Harare, marking a new phase of cooperation between the two regional power pools.

The partnership aims to create a more coordinated and reliable electricity market across Eastern and Southern Africa. A key objective of the MoU is to align regulatory systems and technical standards to make cross-border electricity trading easier and more efficient. By harmonizing rules and procedures, the two organizations hope to remove long-standing barriers that have limited the smooth exchange of power between countries.

This collaboration is expected to improve grid stability and encourage greater investment in energy infrastructure. A more connected market can help balance electricity supply and demand across borders. Countries that generate excess power will be able to export it to neighboring nations experiencing shortages. This approach can reduce power deficits, improve energy security, and make better use of existing generation resources.

The agreement also focuses on sharing knowledge and strengthening institutional capacity. Before the MoU was signed, a delegation from the Eastern African regulatory body visited SAPP facilities to understand how its systems operate. SAPP is considered one of the most developed electricity markets in Africa, and its experience in market monitoring and compliance mechanisms offers useful lessons for the EAPP as it continues to develop its own regulatory framework.

Another important aspect of the cooperation is its alignment with continental development goals. The initiative supports the vision of the African Union under Agenda 2063, which calls for the creation of a fully integrated African Single Electricity Market. By strengthening links between the Eastern and Southern power corridors, the MoU lays the groundwork for broader continental interconnection in the future.

Greater integration can also support renewable energy expansion. Regions rich in solar, wind, or hydropower resources will be better positioned to supply clean electricity to high-demand areas. This could help lower overall generation costs and promote sustainable growth.

Overall, the agreement represents a strategic effort to deepen regional cooperation in the energy sector. It signals a shared commitment to building a more stable, affordable, and interconnected power market that can support economic development and improve access to electricity for millions of people across Eastern and Southern Africa.