The newly appointed Chairperson of the Regional Energy Regulators Association of Southern Africa (REFA) has noted that despite the region's vast energy potential, millions still face energy poverty.
Dr. Paulo de Graça made the remark at a RERA media briefing held in Windhoek on Monday.
Dr. de Graça emphasised that most communities within the region still lack access to modern energy, while industries are sometimes constrained by supply insecurity.
The global energy transition to de-carbonise economies adds another layer of complexity, requiring the region to leapfrog technologies and traditional energy systems and re-imagine its grid.
"As I assume this role, I pledge to focus my tenure on what I call the three pillars of energy. First, deepening regional integration: we cannot speak of the SADC power pool without a robust regulatory framework, and my priority will be to accelerate the implementation of the Southern Regional Energy Regulatory Association. We must work to remove regulatory bottlenecks that hinder cross-border energy trade. Energy must flow freely across borders."
He also vowed to champion the just energy transition by integrating renewable energy within the region's grid without making energy expensive or inaccessible.
Dr. de Graça, a Mozambican national has a two-year contract.
He took over from Eswatini's Skhumbuzo Tsabedze.
"Reflecting on my tenure, I am proud to say we have achieved quite a number of things, one of which was that we managed to complete the strategic plan, which was not in place from 2025 to 2029. It seeks to drive the strategic collaboration to harmonize regulations and foster technological innovations and enhance data exchange, which will attract investment into the region, which we so desire," Tsabedze added.
On the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Control Board, Robert Kahimise, had this to say.
"The ECB is proud to be part of RERA and to contribute to its activities. We feel privileged, and this partnership should help Namibia, as a small nation, to strategically advance our energy agenda. We believe that regional collaboration is key to addressing energy challenges and unlocking economic growth in the SADC region."
Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Executive Director of RERA Francois Robinson, gave an overview of the entity.
"RERA's journey since 2002 reflects the SADC region's shared commitment to regulating cooperation as a foundation for energy security, affordability, and sustainability and integration."
Established in 2002 and hosted in Windhoek, RERA is the association of energy regulators for the SADC region.