# Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa

The Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) is a specialized agency of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. It was established to promote regional integration and investment in the energy sector by harmonizing regulatory frameworks among member states. The organization operates under the legal framework of the COMESA Treaty, particularly Articles 106 to 109, which mandate cooperation in energy development and regulation.

## Foundation and mission

RAERESA was officially launched on March 16, 2009, after the signing of its Constitution by seven founding national energy regulators: Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Rwanda, and Sudan. The organization was created to address regional disparities in energy regulation and encourage the development of a sustainable and competitive energy market in the region.

## Objectives and functions

RAERESA’s primary objectives include:
* Harmonizing energy policies, legislation, and regulations across member states.
* Facilitating capacity-building programs for regulators and stakeholders.
* Promoting cooperation in energy trade and investment within the region, especially power pools.
* Encouraging the development and adoption of renewable energy sources.

## Structure

The governance structure of RAERESA consists of:
The Plenary: The highest decision-making body comprising representatives from member states.
The Executive Committee: Responsible for overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives.
Portfolio Committees: Focused on specific areas such as legal harmonization and capacity building.
The Secretariat: Led by the Chief Executive Officer, it handles daily operations and coordination.

## Members and Governance

As of 2022, RAERESA includes 14 full members and 5 associate members. Full members are energy regulatory authorities from countries including Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, among others. Associate members include Comoros, Eritrea, and Tunisia.

### Full Members of RAERESA

Full Members of RAERESA :
| Country | Regulatory Authority | CEO/Director General | Website |
| Burundi | Authority of Regulation of Water and Energy Sectors (AREEN) | Gabriel Hakizimana] | areen.bi |
| Egypt | Egyptian Electric Utility and Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency (EgyptERA) | Mohamed Mousa Omran (Chairman) | egyptera.org |
| Ethiopia | Energy Regulatory Authority | Motuma Mekassa | ethioenergyauthority.gov.et |
| Kenya | Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) | Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria | epra.go.ke |
| Madagascar | Electricity Regulation Office (ORE) | Jean-Jacques Randrianasolo | ore.mg |
| Malawi | Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) | Collins Magalasi | meramalawi.mw |
| Mauritius | Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) | Dhanraj Appalsawmy | ura.mu |
| Rwanda | Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) | Rugigana Evariste | rura.rw |
| Seychelles | Seychelles Energy Commission (SEC) | Tony Imaduwa | sec.sc |
| Sudan | Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) | Mohamed Hassan | era.gov.sd |
| Uganda | Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) | Ziria Tibalwa Waako | era.go.ug |
| Zambia | Energy Regulation Board (ERB) | Elijah Sichone | erb.org.zm</ |
| Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) | Eddington Mazambani | zera.co.zw |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | Regulatory Authority of Electricity Sector (ARE) | Ngalula Mubenga | are.gouv.cd |

### Associate Members of RAERESA

Associate Members of RAERESA :
| Country | Ministry | Website |
| Djibouti | Ministry of Energy in charge of Natural Resources | energie.dj |
| Eritrea | Ministry of Energy and Mines | shabait.com |
| Somalia | Ministry of Energy and Water Resources | moewr.gov.so |
| Tunisia | Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines | industrie.gov.tn |

## Activities

RAERESA undertakes various initiatives to strengthen regional energy cooperation. Its key activities include:
* Providing technical support and training for member states.
* Advocating for environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
* Promoting the use of renewable energy technologies.
* Implementing the Enhancement of a Sustainable Regional Energy Market in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESREM) project under the European Development Fund.

## International Cooperation

RAERESA collaborates with international organizations such as the International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER) and to share best practices and improve energy regulation globally. In 2022, a delegation of 13 officials from the organization visited the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), to learn about development of power in Norway, and Norway's energy law.

## Funding

The association receives financial support from development partners, including the African Development Bank. In 2022, the AfDB provided a $1.5 million grant to enhance the harmonization of electricity regulations and facilitate cross-border power trading within the COMESA region.