Africa is on a transformative journey to build a unified and sustainable electricity future through the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) and the Continental Power System Master Plan (CMP) initiatives driven by the African Union to integrate the continent’s fragmented electricity systems.
With more than 600 million Africans still lacking access to electricity, AfSEM and the CMP are aiming to create the world’s largest single electricity market – facilitating cross-border electricity trade, optimising resource allocation and enabling countries to share surplus renewable energy with regions experiencing deficits.
The CMP provides a roadmap for developing the transmission infrastructure needed to interconnect African countries, support energy security and reduce electricity costs by leveraging the continent’s abundant renewable energy resources including solar, wind, hydro and geothermal.
“Advancing AfSEM and the CMP is critical for unlocking Africa’s economic potential. Regional power markets enable African countries to pool resources, stabilise grids and accelerate renewable energy integration while reducing energy costs,” says Liz Hart, MD of the Africa Energy Indaba.
The role of business in power market integration
The private sector will play an essential role in the success of AfSEM and the CMP. From investing in cross-border transmission infrastructure and generation projects to providing innovative grid management solutions and financing models, businesses have the opportunity to help shape a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Africa.
“Businesses stand to benefit immensely from a unified African power market, which will enable them to operate in stable, cost-effective and reliable energy environments while creating green industrial growth and job opportunities across the continent,” adds Hart.
The Africa Energy Indaba, taking place from March 3-5, 2026 in Cape Town, will place AfSEM and the CMP at the centre of its agenda. The event will bring together policymakers, utilities, financiers, technology providers and project developers to advance practical steps for implementation and business collaboration in Africa’s evolving regional power markets.
Africa’s future depends on energy. With AfSEM and the CMP, the continent has a unique opportunity to drive economic transformation while meeting its climate commitments.
