EPRA pushes for African energy collaboration to boost security and investment appeal
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 22 – The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is calling for deeper research-driven collaboration among African countries to strengthen energy security and resilience, in a push to position the continent as a competitive destination for energy investment anchored on affordable and reliable power.
Speaking during the 7th Annual EPRA Research and Innovation Conference 2026 in Nairobi, Acting Director General Joseph Oketch said Africa’s energy future must be built on robust regional systems capable of withstanding supply disruptions, price volatility and the evolving demands of the energy transition.
“The challenges we are facing now are a good opportunity to collaborate across sectors and the region to collectively address vulnerabilities in our energy supply chains while building systems that are flexible, integrated, and informed by credible research,” he said.
“The Authority says this requires harmonized regulatory frameworks, aligned energy policies, and coordinated market structures that allow countries to operate seamlessly rather than in silos.”
Themed “Advancing Energy Affordability and Security in Sustainable Development”, the conference brings together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, private sector players and development partners from across the continent to explore innovative solutions to rising energy demand and affordability challenges.
Oketch noted that Eastern African countries are moving closer to a fully integrated electricity market, a development expected to enable cross-border power trade at competitive prices and improve efficiency across national grids.
EPRA further said that strengthening regional energy markets, standardizing pricing mechanisms and introducing targeted policy incentives will be key in attracting investment and scaling access to affordable energy.
The regulator also pointed to continental initiatives such as the M300 Initiative, which seeks to connect 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa to electricity, as a model of how coordinated regional action can transform energy access and drive sustainable development.