As African countries push for affordable and reliable electricity, EPRA says research, policy alignment and cross-border cooperation will be key in creating resilient energy systems and unlocking new investment opportunities across the continent.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has called for stronger research-backed partnerships among African countries to improve energy security and make power more affordable across the continent.
Key facts
- EPRA wants African countries to deepen research-driven collaboration on energy.
- Acting DG Dr. Eng. Joseph Oketch spoke during the 7th Annual EPRA Research and Innovation Conference 2026 in Nairobi.
- The regulator said stronger regional power systems can help Africa withstand supply disruptions and price shocks.
- EPRA noted Eastern Africa is moving closer to a fully integrated electricity market.
- The authority cited the M300 Initiative as a major example of coordinated action to expand electricity access.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has urged African countries to embrace research-driven collaboration to strengthen energy security and resilience across the continent.
Speaking during the 7th Annual EPRA Research and Innovation Conference 2026 in Nairobi, Acting Director General Dr. Eng. Joseph Oketch said Africa’s energy future depends on building robust regional systems that can withstand supply disruptions, price volatility and the changing demands of energy transition.
According to Oketch, stronger cooperation among African states will also help position the continent as a more attractive investment destination with affordable, stable and reliable electricity.
What did EPRA say about Africa’s energy future?
Oketch said the current challenges facing the energy sector should not only be seen as threats, but also as a chance for countries to work together and build stronger systems.
“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.
He emphasised the need for cross-sector and regional partnerships to reduce weaknesses in energy supply chains and improve long-term resilience.
What is the focus of the EPRA conference?
This year’s conference is themed “Advancing Energy Affordability and Security in Sustainable Development.”
The event is exploring innovative ways to balance the country’s rising energy demand with the need to maintain an affordable, reliable and resilient energy sector.
The week-long conference has brought together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, private sector players and development partners from across Africa.
EPRA said such forums are important in shaping ideas that can influence policy, regulation and investment decisions in the energy space.
Why is regional electricity integration important?
Oketch’s remarks come amid recent developments showing that Eastern African countries are edging closer to a fully integrated electricity market.
Such a market would allow countries to sell electricity across borders at competitive prices, making regional power systems more efficient and affordable.
EPRA noted that this kind of cooperation cannot succeed without harmonised regulatory frameworks, aligned energy policies and coordinated market structures.
The authority explained that countries must begin operating as part of an interconnected regional system instead of handling energy issues in isolation.
How can Africa attract more energy investment?
According to EPRA, Africa can attract more investment into the energy sector by strengthening energy markets, standardising pricing mechanisms and introducing targeted policy incentives.
The regulator believes these measures would not only improve efficiency but also help deliver affordable power to more people at scale.
EPRA also pointed to continental programmes such as the M300 Initiative, which aims to connect 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa to electricity, as a strong example of the transformative power of coordinated regional action.
