Edo To Showcase Power Reforms At African Union Forum
The African Union Commission (AUC) has invited Edo State Commissioner for Power, Paul Usenbo, to speak at a major continental forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in recognition of the state's ongoing reforms in the electricity sector.
Usenbo will participate as an inspirational speaker and panellist during the Founder Stage of the Joint 9th Specialised Technical Committee on Finance and the 5th Specialised Technical Committee on Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, scheduled for July 20–24, 2026.
The event will bring together African heads of government, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and development partners to discuss strategies for advancing industrialisation, trade and sustainable development across the continent.
According to the AUC, Edo State was selected to present its achievements in the energy sector because of its innovative policies, strategic leadership and investment-driven approach to power sector development, which align with Africa's industrialisation and energy sovereignty goals.
The invitation follows a series of reforms introduced under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo. These include the state's 10 per cent equity stake in a proposed 100-megawatt Independent Power Plant, the development of the 100MW Ologbo Gas-fired Power Plant, and the implementation of the Edo State Electricity Law, designed to create a favourable regulatory environment for electricity generation, distribution and investment.
Other initiatives include renewable energy and off-grid electrification projects for underserved communities, plans to establish the Edo State Metering Assembly to reduce estimated billing while creating employment opportunities, and the promotion of electric mobility through the planned local assembly of electric tricycles.
The state government has also strengthened partnerships with development finance institutions, private investors and international agencies to mobilise funding for sustainable energy projects.
At the Abidjan forum, Usenbo is expected to highlight Edo State's power sector reforms, with emphasis on policy innovation, regulatory improvements and public-private partnerships aimed at expanding electricity access, attracting investment and driving economic growth.
Usenbo will participate as an inspirational speaker and panellist during the Founder Stage of the Joint 9th Specialised Technical Committee on Finance and the 5th Specialised Technical Committee on Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, scheduled for July 20–24, 2026.
The event will bring together African heads of government, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and development partners to discuss strategies for advancing industrialisation, trade and sustainable development across the continent.
According to the AUC, Edo State was selected to present its achievements in the energy sector because of its innovative policies, strategic leadership and investment-driven approach to power sector development, which align with Africa's industrialisation and energy sovereignty goals.
The invitation follows a series of reforms introduced under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo. These include the state's 10 per cent equity stake in a proposed 100-megawatt Independent Power Plant, the development of the 100MW Ologbo Gas-fired Power Plant, and the implementation of the Edo State Electricity Law, designed to create a favourable regulatory environment for electricity generation, distribution and investment.
Other initiatives include renewable energy and off-grid electrification projects for underserved communities, plans to establish the Edo State Metering Assembly to reduce estimated billing while creating employment opportunities, and the promotion of electric mobility through the planned local assembly of electric tricycles.
The state government has also strengthened partnerships with development finance institutions, private investors and international agencies to mobilise funding for sustainable energy projects.
At the Abidjan forum, Usenbo is expected to highlight Edo State's power sector reforms, with emphasis on policy innovation, regulatory improvements and public-private partnerships aimed at expanding electricity access, attracting investment and driving economic growth.
