Cotonou, Benin – November 28, 2025 – The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), in partnership with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), successfully concluded the Regional Workshop for the Validation of the Evaluation Study and Gender Equality Index (GEI) Mainstreaming in Clean Energy Businesses, held from November 27–28, 2025 in Cotonou, Benin.

The workshop brought together representatives from ECOWAS Member States, gender and energy experts, women’s associations, private-sector actors, and development partners to validate a pioneering Gender Equality Index (GEI) tailored to the clean energy sector, with a specific focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking on behalf of the Ag. Executive Director of ECREEE, Mr. Gibson Obasi, Mr. Guei Guillaume F. Kouhie, the Renewable Energy Technologies Program Officer, reaffirmed ECREEE’s commitment to embedding gender equality across regional energy initiatives. He emphasized that the GEI provides a practical and measurable tool to advance inclusive and equitable energy development.

Mr. Flaubert Mbiekop, IDRC representative, highlighted the importance of research-based frameworks in achieving just energy transitions, noting that the GEI will guide policymakers and businesses in addressing gender disparities across the clean energy value chain.

Representing the Minister of Energy, Water and Mines of the Republic of Benin, H.E. José Didier Tonato Mr. Todeman Assan, Director General of Energy Planning and Rural Electrification, who declared the meeting opened, emphasized the urgent need for dedicated financing mechanisms for SMEs, particularly women-led enterprises. He stressed that such support is essential for ensuring a just and sustainable energy transition in the region.

Key Outcomes of the Workshop

Over the two-day meeting, participants reviewed and validated three crucial outputs:

1. The Evaluation Framework derived from the GEI methodology;

1. The Evaluation Study Report, based on a census and analysis of gender inclusion in clean energy SMEs;
2. A Regional Recommendations and Action Plan for implementing the GEI across ECOWAS Member States.

With the validation of these tools, ECOWAS now benefits from a robust framework to strengthen gender mainstreaming in clean energy businesses and guide policy, investment, and institutional reforms.

The validated GEI framework marks an important milestone in the region’s efforts to reduce gender gaps in energy access, enhance women’s participation in clean energy value chains, and support women’s leadership in energy decision-making. ECREEE and its partners reaffirm their commitment to working closely with Member States to implement the GEI and advance a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable energy future for West Africa.