Cotonou is hosting the 12th African Think Tanks Summit from October 28 to 30, 2026, with energy reform at the core of discussions aimed at unlocking economic growth across the continent. The three-day gathering brings together policymakers, industry experts, and development partners to explore how expanded electricity access can drive industrialization, business productivity, and sustainable development in Africa.

Energy access meets economic transformation

The summit, organized by the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) in collaboration with the Beninese government and the African Union Commission, focuses on transforming energy access into tangible economic results. The central question: How can Africa turn electricity availability into a catalyst for industrial growth, agricultural advancement, and job creation?

The event’s theme, “From Energy Access to Economic Transformation: Practical Policy Pathways for Sustainable Electricity Sector Growth in Africa,” emphasizes moving beyond basic connectivity. Key priorities include:

• Reliable supply – Ensuring consistent power to prevent production disruptions and support business expansion
• Cost efficiency – Making electricity affordable to encourage investment and entrepreneurship
• Productive use – Aligning energy policies with industries that drive GDP growth, such as manufacturing and agriculture
• Institutional strength – Building regulatory frameworks that attract private investment and improve service delivery

Benin’s leadership in measurable impact

Opening remarks from Aristide Médenou, Benin’s Minister of Economy and Finance, highlighted the need to assess energy policies based on measurable outcomes like GDP growth, business expansion, and household welfare. The government insists that investments must deliver visible benefits—whether for factories, farms, or local communities.

Luc Gnacadja, Mayor of Cotonou, added that urban energy access directly impacts service delivery, small business growth, and public infrastructure performance. The summit’s agenda reflects this local-to-continental perspective, recognizing that energy challenges and solutions vary by region.

Institutional reform: the linchpin of progress

Mamadou Biteye, ACBF’s Executive Secretary, stressed that institutional capacity is critical to turning policy into results. The discussions underscore the need for:

• Stronger regulation – Streamlining tariffs, licensing, and grid management to improve efficiency
• Financing models – Blending public funds with private capital to fund large-scale infrastructure
• Cross-sector coordination – Aligning energy plans with national industrialization and agricultural strategies

The summit’s working groups are examining case studies where reforms led to measurable economic gains—such as reduced downtime for businesses or increased agricultural output thanks to reliable irrigation power.

From strategy to action: what’s next?

By October 30, participants aim to finalize actionable recommendations for African governments, including:

• Prioritizing energy-intensive sectors (e.g., agro-processing, textiles) in national development plans
• Pilot programs for decentralized renewable energy in rural areas
• Regional power trade agreements to reduce costs and improve supply stability

The Cotonou summit isn’t just another talk shop—it’s a platform for policymakers to commit to reforms that turn electricity from a basic utility into the backbone of Africa’s economic future.

By Maimouna Kaboré — Journalist