Egypt Selected as Permanent Host of East Africa Power Pool Market Operator

Egypt was officially selected as the permanent headquarters of the electricity market operator for the the Eastern Africa Power Pool (Eapp), marking a significant milestone in the country’s regional energy ambitions and a boost to its positioning as a continental energy hub.

The decision was announced during the 21st ministerial meeting of the Eastern Africa Power Pool, which brought together energy ministers, senior officials, and utility executives from member states, alongside representatives of international development partners.

The selection follows a comprehensive bid submitted by Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, backed by a series of strategic and technical measures aimed at establishing a fully operational electricity market platform aligned with global standards of efficiency and reliability.

Officials noted that Egypt’s advanced infrastructure, combined with its operational expertise in managing large-scale power networks, played a decisive role in securing the mandate. The country has made substantial investments in grid modernization and cross-border interconnection projects, strengthening its credentials as a regional leader in energy transmission and distribution.

The Eastern Africa Power Pool, which operates under the umbrella of the African Union, comprises 13 member states and aims to enhance electricity interconnection, facilitate cross-border energy trade, and establish a unified regional power market.

The establishment of a centralized electricity market operator is expected to streamline power exchanges among member countries, improve energy efficiency, and reduce supply costs across the region. It also lays the groundwork for a more integrated and resilient electricity network in East Africa.

For Egypt, the move reinforces its strategic vision of becoming a key energy transit corridor linking African and European markets. With existing and planned interconnection projects spanning multiple regions, Cairo is increasingly positioned at the center of cross-continental energy flows.

Industry experts view the decision as a pivotal step toward enhancing energy security across Africa, while also opening new avenues for investment in power generation, transmission infrastructure, and renewable energy integration.