Bissau: The Ministry of Energy of Guinea-Bissau, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) through the Regional Off-Grid Access to Electricity Project (ROGEAP), has officially commenced the mission to develop the country’s inaugural National Energy Policy. This significant event took place on Wednesday, 23rd of July 2025, in Bissau.
According to African Press Organization, the opening ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Energy, Dr. José Carlos Varela Casimiro. The event also saw the presence of the Senior Advisor of the ROGEAP project and representatives of various technical and financial partners. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive policy that aligns with Guinea-Bissau’s national development plans, regional ECOWAS goals, and international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
In his address, Minister Casimiro emphasized the importance of this structural support, highlighting that the policy will serve as the first of its kind in the nation. It is set to define a clear vision for the energy sector by establishing foundational tools such as action plans and strategic guidelines. The policy will encompass various sectors, including fuel, oil and gas, energy production, transport, distribution, and access, focusing on both on-grid and off-grid solutions while advocating for low-carbon technologies.
The ROGEAP Project, which supports this mission, receives financial backing from the World Bank, the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), and the Directorate-General for International Cooperation.