The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), an institutional partner in the development of the continental certification framework, contributed to the Continental Validation Workshop on the Development of a Harmonized Certification Scheme for Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and Energy Efficiency Professionals in Africa, held from 3 to 5 November 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The workshop was organized under the Acceleration Program for Super ESCOs in Africa (ASAP), supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), in collaboration with the ECONOLER consulting team and five regional centers for sustainable energy: ECREEE, SACREEE, EACREEE, RCREEE and CEREEAC.
The initiative marked a significant milestone in advancing a harmonized continental certification framework for Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and energy efficiency professionals, aimed at strengthening professional recognition, improving service quality, promoting capacity development, and supporting the growth of Africa’s energy efficiency sector.
The workshop brought together representatives of the Regional Centres, the African Energy Commission (AFREC) and other key stakeholders to review and validate the proposed technical and institutional arrangements for the development and implementation of the continental certification scheme.
ECREEE contributed its experience in developing and implementing regional certification schemes, presented the ECOWAS region’s perspectives, and advocated for a harmonized framework that reflected the diverse institutional capacities, priorities, and needs of African countries.