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. It was established to promote regional integration and investment in the energy sector by harmonizing regulatory frameworks among member states. The organization operates under the legal framework of the COMESA Treaty, particularly Articles 106 to 109, which mandate cooperation in energy development and regulation.
Foundation and mission 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.
Objectives and functions RAERESA’s primary objectives include: Harmonizing energy policies, legislation, and regulations across member states. Facilitating capacity-building programs for regulators and stakeholders. Promoting cooperation in energy trade and investment within the region, especially power pools. Encouraging the development and adoption of renewable energy sources.
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.
Members and Governance
As of 2022, RAERESA includes 16 full members and 5 associate members. Full members are energy regulatory authorities from countries including Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, among others. Associate members include Comoros, Eritrea, and Tunisia.
Full Members of RAERESA
+ 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) Ali Mohamed Abdelfattah egyptera.org Ethiopia Energy Regulatory Authority Destaw Mequanint ethioenergyauthority.gov.et Kenya Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Joseph OketchChairperson 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 Autorité de Régulation du secteur de l'Electricité (ARE) Soraya Aziz Souleymane Moto are.gouv.cd Djibouti Autorité de Régulation Multisectorielle de Djibouti (ARMD) Abdi Elmi Achkir armd.dj
Associate Members of RAERESA
+ 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.
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. 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.
Funding
The association receives financial support from development partners, including the African Development Bank. 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.
See also Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA-RAERESA) Energy Regulators Regional Association (ERRA) Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP-IRB) Energy law Energy Regulators Association of East Africa (EREA) Energy Regulation Centre of Excellence (ERCE)
References
External links
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa