Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 | |
  Lusaka Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (Zambia) | |
| Abbreviation | RAERESA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2009 |
| Legal status | Intergovernmental Institution |
| Purpose | RAERESA harmonizes energy regulations, promotes sustainable energy, and fosters regional cooperation in Eastern and Southern Africa under COMESA. |
| Location |
|
Region served | Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa |
| Members | 16 full members and 5 associate members |
Chief Executive Officer | Geoffrey Aori Mabea |
Main organ | The Plenary and Executive Committee |
| Affiliations | COMESA, 21 member states |
| Website | raeresa |
The Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) is a specialized agency of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.[1] It was established to promote regional integration and investment in the energy sector by harmonizing regulatory frameworks among member states.[2] The organization operates under the legal framework of the COMESA Treaty, particularly Articles 106 to 109, which mandate cooperation in energy development and regulation.[1][3]
RAERESA was officially launched on March 16, 2009, after the signing of its Constitution by seven founding national energy regulators: Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Rwanda, and Sudan. The organization was created to address regional disparities in energy regulation and encourage the development of a sustainable and competitive energy market in the region.[4]
Objectives and functions
RAERESA’s primary objectives include:
- Harmonizing energy policies, legislation, and regulations across member states.[5][6]
- Facilitating capacity-building programs for regulators and stakeholders.[7]
- Promoting cooperation in energy trade and investment within the region, especially power pools.[8]
- Encouraging the development and adoption of renewable energy sources.[9][10]
Structure
The governance structure of RAERESA consists of:
The Plenary: The highest decision-making body comprising representatives from member states.
The Executive Committee: Responsible for overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives.
Portfolio Committees: Focused on specific areas such as legal harmonization and capacity building.
The Secretariat: Led by the Chief Executive Officer, it handles daily operations and coordination.[11]
Members and Governance
As of 2022, RAERESA includes 16 full members and 5 associate members.[12] Full members are energy regulatory authorities from countries including Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, among others.[13] Associate members include Comoros, Eritrea, and Tunisia.[14]
Full Members of RAERESA
| Country | Regulatory Authority | CEO/Director General | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burundi | Authority of Regulation of Water and Energy Sectors (AREEN) | Gabriel Hakizimana | areen.bi |
| Egypt | Egyptian Electric Utility and Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency (EgyptERA) | Mohamed Mousa Omran | egyptera.org |
| Ethiopia | Energy Regulatory Authority | Destaw Mequanint | ethioenergyauthority.gov.et |
| Kenya | Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) | Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria(Chairperson) | epra.go.ke |
| Madagascar | Electricity Regulation Office (ORE) | Rasolojaona Rivoharilala | ore.mg |
| Malawi | Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) | Henry Kachaje | meramalawi.mw |
| Mauritius | Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) | Yohane Mukabe | uramauritius.mu |
| Rwanda | Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) | Rugigana Evariste | rura.rw |
| Seychelles | Seychelles Energy Commission (SEC) | Bernice Charles | sec.sc |
| Sudan | Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) | Abdulrahman Haggag Adam Abumusa | era.gov.sd |
| Uganda | Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) | Ziria Tibalwa Waako | era.go.ug |
| Zambia | Energy Regulation Board (ERB) | Elijah Sichone | erb.org.zm</ |
| Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) | Eddington Mazambani | zera.co.zw |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | Regulatory Authority of Electricity Sector (ARE) | Ngalula Mubenga | are.gouv.cd |
Associate Members of RAERESA
| Country | Ministry | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Djibouti | Ministry of Energy in charge of Natural Resources | energie.dj |
| Eritrea | Ministry of Energy and Mines | shabait.com |
| Somalia | Ministry of Energy and Water Resources | moewr.gov.so |
| Tunisia | Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines | industrie.gov.tn |
Activities
RAERESA undertakes various initiatives to strengthen regional energy cooperation. Its key activities include:
- Providing technical support and training for member states.
- Advocating for environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
- Promoting the use of renewable energy technologies.
- Implementing the Enhancement of a Sustainable Regional Energy Market in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESREM) project under the European Development Fund.[1]
International Cooperation
RAERESA collaborates with international organizations such as the International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER) and to share best practices and improve energy regulation globally.[15][16] In 2022, a delegation of 13 officials from the organization visited the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), to learn about development of power in Norway, and Norway's energy law.[17]
Funding
The association receives financial support from development partners, including the African Development Bank.[18] In 2022, the AfDB provided a $1.5 million grant to enhance the harmonization of electricity regulations and facilitate cross-border power trading within the COMESA region.[19][20]