EAPP and SAPP Target Faster, More Coordinated Cross-Border Power Trade

Signed in Harare, a new MoU signed between the EAPP and SAPP sets a framework for regulatory harmonization, market monitoring, and coordinated oversight across Eastern and Southern Africa.

Uganda’s Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Eastern and Southern Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) intended to deepen electricity market integration and expand cross-border power trade.

A New Framework for Regional Cooperation

The MoU is between the Independent Regulatory Board (IRB) of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). It formalizes institutional cooperation and is positioned as a step toward a more coordinated and reliable electricity market across the two regions.

Signing Details and Key Officials

The agreement was signed in Harare, Zimbabwe, in late February 2026. The MoU was signed by Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, Acting Director General of the IRB, and Eng. Stephen Dihwa, Executive Director of SAPP.

ERA says the MoU establishes a structured framework for collaboration across regulatory harmonization, market monitoring, infrastructure coordination, and joint oversight of regional electricity trading. Both sources describe the intent to align regulatory systems and technical standards so cross-border electricity trading becomes easier and more efficient, including reducing barriers that have limited smoother power exchange between countries.

Peer learning and benchmarking

ERA describes the signing as the culmination of a week-long study tour by an IRB delegation to SAPP held from 16–20 February 2026 in Harare, focused on peer learning and benchmarking. According to ERA, the engagement centered on developing harmonized guidelines for regulating cross-border power trade, including market monitoring procedures, access rules, and a sanctions framework.

ERA adds the mission was supported by GET.Transform and brought together 25 delegates, including Dr. John Watua (representing the IRB Chairperson) and Eng. James Wahogo (Secretary General of the EAPP), alongside development partners including GET.Transform, the African Union Commission, and the African Development Bank.

Market Context and Stated Outcomes

ERA characterizes SAPP—established in 1995 at a Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit—as one of Africa’s most advanced regional electricity markets, with 12 member countries, nine of which are interconnected, and full interconnection anticipated in the near future. ERA reports the interconnected SAPP region has approximately 80 GW installed capacity, with about 48 GW operating capacity against a reported peak demand of roughly 50 GW, serving nearly 390 million people with an average electricity access rate of about 50 percent.

Expected outcomes including improving system stability, enabling surplus-generation countries to export to deficit markets, strengthening energy security, and supporting renewable energy integration. ERA also states the partnership aims to enhance investor confidence in regional energy markets and support delivery of more reliable, affordable, and accessible electricity across both regions.

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