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Banner for the Global Gateway CEPA Continental Energy Programme in Africa, featuring a wind turbine against a blue sky and yellow dotted graphic pattern. The design includes the Global Gateway logo, CEPA title, and “Funded by the European Union” logo.

The Continental Energy Programme in Africa

Project
Ongoing
Last Updated: 30 April 2026
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Overview

Description

Through targeted technical assistance, CEPA strengthens the work of key African Union institutions as they implement the continent’s flagship energy programmes. 

CEPA focuses on three strategic pillars: 

  1. AfSEM – the African Single Electricity Market, led by the African Union Commission’s Department of Infrastructure and Energy (AUC-DIE), aiming to create a unified continental electricity market that ensures access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity for all Africans by 2040.
  2. CMP – the Continental Power System Master Plan, coordinated by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), providing the infrastructure blueprint for a unified African power grid. 
  3. AfEES – the African Energy Efficiency Strategy, driven by the African Energy Commission (AFREC), aiming to boost energy productivity by 50% by 2050. 

    By supporting regulatory harmonisation, cross-border electricity trade, large-scale renewable energy investments, and energy efficiency adoption, CEPA contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 7 and Africa’s Agenda 2063 objectives. CEPA also plays a key role within the Africa-EU Green Energy Initiative (AEGEI), reinforcing Africa-Europe cooperation for a sustainable energy future.