Reimagining the ECOWAS Energy Governance System in a Post-Pandemic World

• In Event: Natural Resources and Democracy

Abstract

Comparative energy regionalism in West Africa has endured immense precarity which has characterized the energy fortunes of the region since inception. However, this has provided it with the capability to govern innovatively emerging energy crises. Chief amongst them is the provision of energy in abundance for a fast growing demographic in a post-pandemic world.

This paper offers an alternative governance perspective in accordance with the polycentric approach which provides a framework for governing energy and climate from the local to the supranational level.

It also focuses on the importance of the rules-based approach that stresses the relations between de jure and de facto rules in a supra-governmental structure.

In addition, it looks at the diversity-centered approach to institutionalism that centers on the diverse nature of institutional arrangements inherent in the design of regional energy systems.

The paper argues that employing these three approaches implicitly embraces pluralism, a predisposition toward commonly agreed solutions and negotiations in constructing a resilient and responsive post-pandemic energy system.

To conclude, the paper reimagines the ECOWAS energy system using the design principles for robust governance institutions proposed by Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom.

Author

• Michael Amoah Awuah, Center for European Integration Studies (ZEI)