News and Events

The COMESA Secretariat has reaffirmed that digital transformation is no longer optional but a necessity for sustainable development, economic growth, and social inclusion, an approach that strongly complements the objectives of the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) Programme.

Speaking at the official opening of the 2nd Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting for the Inclusive Digitalization for Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) Project, Assistant Secretary General – Programmes, Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Kadah, emphasized that IDEA offers a collaborative platform for countries to overcome policy barriers and accelerate innovation in digital access. This digital push is closely aligned with ASCENT’s vision of leveraging technology-driven solutions to expand clean energy access and improve service delivery across Member States.

Dr. Kadah highlighted significant progress since the IDEA Project’s launch in April 2025, including efforts to expand affordable, high-quality broadband connectivity, develop secure and interoperable digital platforms for regional integration, and promote high-impact digital applications across key economic and social sectors. These advancements are critical enablers of ASCENT’s implementation, particularly in strengthening digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) systems, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and enabling real-time tracking of energy access progress across the region.

“IDEA represents a transformative regional effort aimed at expanding affordable, high-quality broadband connectivity; strengthening safe and interoperable digital platforms; and supporting high-impact digital applications across priority economic and social sectors, which will in turn positively benefit our citizens,” he stated.

This transformation directly supports ASCENT’s broader mandate to accelerate electrification through innovation, regional coordination, and the integration of digital tools into energy planning and delivery.

The Assistant Secretary General underscored that digital transformation is now an essential driver of sustainable development and regional integration—principles that are also at the core of ASCENT. By improving digital infrastructure and services, Member States are better positioned to implement scalable clean energy solutions, attract private investment, and enhance regional energy cooperation through platforms such as the Regional Energy Access Accelerator Platform (REAAP).

“Digital transformation is not merely an option but a necessity for sustainable development, economic growth, and social inclusion,” he said, reaffirming COMESA’s commitment to harnessing digital innovation as a catalyst for both energy access and broader socio-economic transformation.

The PSC reviewed the 2025 Progress Report, assessed key achievements and lessons learned, and approved the 2026 Annual Work Plan and Budget. It also adopted the Terms of Reference for the Technical Working Group and clarified

COMESA’s role in supporting implementation aligned with regional priorities. These governance and coordination mechanisms mirror ASCENT’s structured, multi-stakeholder approach to delivering impactful, scalable interventions across the energy sector.

Dr. Kadah commended Member States, national Project Implementation Units, the IDEA Project Coordination Unit, and regional partners for their commitment, while expressing appreciation to the World Bank for its continued technical and financial support—support that also underpins ASCENT’s implementation across Eastern and Southern Africa.

He urged participants to uphold collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, noting that decisions made will shape the region’s digital and energy future for years to come. The meeting concluded with a clear roadmap for 2026 and renewed commitment toward building a more connected, digitally empowered, and energy-secure Eastern and Southern Africa, where digital transformation and clean energy access advance hand in hand under initiatives such as ASCENT.