The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is convening a business briefing on March 24, 2026 at 1:30 pm at the USTDA Business Center - Arlington, VA to equip U.S. companies with firsthand insight into emerging opportunities in West Africa’s power sector. Delegates from major African transmission and distribution institutions will outline their security and modernization priorities and discuss where U.S. technologies, expertise, and equipment are well positioned to meet critical infrastructure needs and strengthen American commercial engagement. Register today.
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Why you should attend:
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Learn about near term project opportunities and bidding processes
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Gain an understanding of current power sector dynamics and policies
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Connect with key West African decision-makers
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Showcase your company’s expertise
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​This event is part of the USTDA West Africa Grid Security Reverse Trade Mission taking place March 23 - 27, 2026 with visits to Washington, DC; Philadelphia, PA and New York, NY.
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Business Opportunities
Participating delegates are interested in:
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AI-enabled grid control systems
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Grid-enhancing technologies
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Energy storage
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Energy stability solutions
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Advanced conductors and cables
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Financing mechanisms to support project implementation
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Learn more about upcoming USTDA U.S. - Africa Grid Security Industry Engagements planned in 2026.
​USTDA West Africa Grid Security Networking Reception sponsored by Hughes Hubbard & Reed
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March 26, 2026 l 6 - 8 pm l New York, NY
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The reception is open to U.S. and African firms with interest in supporting the West Africa power sector and has limited capacity. If you are interested in attending, please submit a request to Tuatara Group at peseux@tuataragroup.com. Attendance is subject to approval and confirmation due to capacity constraints.
Tuatara Group is organizing the West Africa Grid Security Business Briefing and Reverse Trade Mission on behalf of the USTDA. ​​For more information, or to inquire about meeting with the delegation, contact Pamela Peseux, Tuatara Group at peseux@tuataragroup.com or +1.301.335.1725.​
Learn About Opportunities in West Africa's Power Sector
REGISTRATION
Business Briefing:
Opportunities in West Africa's Power Sector
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March 24, 2026 | USTDA Business Center - Arlington, VA
1101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1000, Arlington, VA, 22209
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Agenda
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1:30 - Welcome and Introductions
2:00 - Delegate Presentations
3:00 - Networking Break
3:30 - Delegate Presentations
4:30 - One on One Meetings - Attendees will have a chance to sign up for several short meetings with the participating delegates.
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​There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required.
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​​Attendance to this event is limited to U.S. and African individuals, firms, or consultants as defined by USTDA’s Nationality Source and Origin Requirements available on USTDA’s website at www.USTDA.gov.
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BACKGROUND
Transmission and distribution networks play a vital role in sub-Saharan Africa, where rapid population growth, accelerating urbanization, and rising industrial demand are driving the need for secure, modern power infrastructure. Investment in electricity generation in the region has historically outpaced transmission and distribution by a factor of four, resulting in inefficiencies, stranded assets, power shortages and costly emergency energy solutions.
To help close this gap and strengthen the foundation for efficient, reliable electricity trade across Africa, regional planners and power institutions are prioritizing major interconnection and T&D modernization efforts. These initiatives open the door for trusted U.S. technologies, engineering expertise, and high-quality equipment to support regional grids, reduce long-term costs, and expand access to reliable power for communities throughout the continent.
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Areas of interest for the delegation include:
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AI-enabled grid control systems
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Grid-enhancing technologies
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Energy storage
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Energy stability solutions
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Advanced conductors and cables
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Financing mechanisms to support project implementation
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DELEGATION
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Mr. Gibson Obasi, Ag. Executive Director, ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), Cabo Verde
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Dr. Mawufemo Modjinou, Ag. Director, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Project Development and Fund Mobilization, ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), Cabo Verde
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Mr. Kolawole Owodunni, Executive Director & Chief Investment Officer, Nigeria Infrastructure Fund, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)
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Mr. Tayo Ajayi, Vice President, Nigeria Infrastructure Fund, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)
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Mrs. Eriye Onagoruwa, Team Lead, Power Sector Reform & Programs Coordination, Office of the Special Advisor to the President on Energy, Nigeria
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Dr. Seun Amoda, Senior Technical Assistant (Power), Office of the Special Advisor to the President on Energy, Nigeria
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Ms. Dieynaba Sakiliba Loume, Head Transmission Grid Access, Senelec (Société nationale d'électricité du Sénégal), Senegal
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Ms. Mamaye Inès Correa, Grid Planning Engineer, Senelec (Société nationale d'électricité du Sénégal), Senegal
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Mr. Bolu Olumide, Associate, Corporate Finance, Strom Group, Nigeria
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Mr. Bernard Jappah, Commercial Director, Transco CLSG, Côte d'Ivoire
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Mr. Etienne Bailly, Director of the Implementation Unit, Transco CLSG, Côte d'Ivoire
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Engr. Godwin A. Aguiyi, General Manger (Operations), Transmission Company of Nigeria, Nigeria
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Mrs. Ndidiamak Mbah, General Manager (Public Affairs), Transmission Company of Nigeria, Nigeria
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Dr. Julius Abayateye, Head of Division, System Operation Coordination, West African Power Tool (WAPP), Republic of Benin
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Mr. Kodjo Afidegnon, Director, Planning, Investment Programming and Environmental Safeguards, West African Power Tool (WAPP), Republic of Benin
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Delegate Organization Profiles
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ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) — Cabo Verde
ECREEE is the ECOWAS regional agency responsible for accelerating renewable‑energy deployment, energy‑efficiency programs, and clean‑energy policy harmonization across West Africa. It provides technical assistance, project preparation support, and capacity‑building to help member states meet regional energy‑transition goals.
Nigeria Infrastructure Fund, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) - Nigeria
The Nigeria Infrastructure Fund is the domestic infrastructure investment arm of NSIA, mandated to deploy long‑term capital into power, transport, agriculture, and other strategic sectors. It acts as a sovereign investor and project developer, structuring bankable projects and mobilizing co‑investment for national priority infrastructure.
Office of the Special Advisor to the President on Energy — Nigeria
This office advises the Nigerian Presidency on national energy strategy, power‑sector reforms, and priority infrastructure initiatives. It coordinates cross‑government policy alignment, drives reform implementation, and supports the development of programs aimed at improving electricity access, reliability, and investment readiness.
Senelec (Société nationale d'électricité du Sénégal) — Senegal
Senelec is Senegal’s national electricity utility, responsible for generation, transmission, and distribution across the country. It leads national grid‑expansion planning, system operations, and integration of new generation assets, including renewable‑energy projects.
Strom Group — Nigeria
Strom Group is a Nigerian energy‑infrastructure and engineering firm involved in project development, corporate finance, and advisory services across the power and industrial sectors. The company supports capital mobilization and technical execution for energy‑sector investments.
Transco CLSG — Côte d’Ivoire
Transco CLSG is the regional transmission company established by Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea to develop and operate the 1,300‑km CLSG interconnection line. It enables cross‑border electricity trade, improves regional grid stability, and supports the West African Power Pool’s integration objectives.
West African Power Pool (WAPP) — Republic of Benin
WAPP is the regional institution mandated to integrate the national power systems of ECOWAS member states into a unified electricity market. It coordinates regional planning, system‑operation standards, and priority transmission projects to enable reliable cross‑border power exchange and long‑term energy security.
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ABOUT USTDA
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is the U.S. government’s first mover on critical infrastructure development in emerging markets, advancing the shared strategic priorities of the United States and our overseas partners while creating opportunities to deploy trusted U.S. solutions. USTDA funds the upfront technical work that accelerates the development of infrastructure projects, helping them attract the financing they need for implementation and procurement of U.S. goods and services. USTDA also hosts activities that promote infrastructure partnerships with the United States.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency
1101 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 1100
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: +1-703-875-4357
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