WAPP Chief Abdoulaye Dia Leads Digital Upgrade Initiative at Benin’s SBPE

In a bid to tighten the fabric of West Africa’s electricity network, Abdoulaye DIA, Secretary‑General of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), paid a focused working visit to Benin’s state‑run power producer, the Société Béninoise de Production d’Électricité (SBPE). The trip, undertaken with several senior members of WAPP’s Management Committee, underscores a growing emphasis on digital transformation and regional market integration across the ECOWAS zone.

The invitation came from Laurent TOSSOU, SBPE’s newly appointed Director General, who asked WAPP for assistance in replicating the digital platform the pool has operated since early 2025. That platform, a suite of cloud‑based tools for grid management, data exchange and transaction processing, has already proved instrumental in harmonising operations among member states.

During a technical‑strategic session that lasted most of the day, the two parties zeroed in on three priority fronts. First, they mapped out the steps SBPE must take to qualify for a more structured role in the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market, a cross‑border trading scheme designed to balance supply and demand across fifteen countries. Second, they examined the overhaul of SBPE’s internal processes – from generation scheduling to maintenance reporting – with an eye toward full digitalisation. Third, they tackled the practicalities of synchronising Benin’s grid with the wider West African system, a prerequisite for seamless power flows.

Key discussion points included the establishment of secure payment and transaction‑security mechanisms, the enhancement of data reliability through real‑time monitoring dashboards, and the refinement of contractual frameworks that will govern future power exchanges. Participants also highlighted the need for integrated digital tools that can dematerialise paperwork, enable electronic archiving, and streamline asset‑management workflows.

Beyond the technical checklist, the meeting served as a platform to align SBPE’s strategic ambitions with the market’s commercial, financial and regulatory expectations. WAPP offered concrete support options: a series of capacity‑building workshops, immersion programmes at its Information and Coordination Centre, and the provision of detailed operational guidelines that will help SBPE meet the market’s entry criteria.

By the close of the talks, both organisations agreed to cement a follow‑up mechanism. They will appoint dedicated focal points, draft a phased roadmap for SBPE’s market participation, and schedule periodic reviews to track progress. The collaboration is expected to boost SBPE’s operational efficiency, reduce outages, and ultimately contribute to the broader goal of a fully integrated West African power system.

It is worth noting that Mr. TOSSOU brings a wealth of regional experience to his new role, having previously chaired the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA). In that capacity, he worked closely with Mr. DIA on the foundational agreements that birthed the Regional Electricity Market, making his current partnership with WAPP both logical and timely.

As West Africa pushes toward greater energy interdependence, the SBPE‑WAPP alliance exemplifies how digital tools and coordinated policy can accelerate the continent’s power‑sector reforms. If successful, the initiative could serve as a template for other national utilities seeking to plug into the regional market, paving the way for more reliable, affordable electricity across the sub‑region.