Nakambe: The information and awareness workshop for local authorities on the legal and institutional framework of the energy sector, which opened three days ago, concluded in Tenkodogo. Participants from five regions left with enhanced knowledge aimed at improving local energy governance.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Secretary General of the Nakambe region, Sayouba Sawadogo, presided over the closing ceremony, representing the Governor. He welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its role in strengthening the understanding of local actors regarding the texts governing the energy sector. Sawadogo expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the Energy Sector Regulatory Authority (ARSE), Dr. Jean-Baptiste Ky, represented by Mr. Yaya Soura, for organizing the activity, which places communities at the core of energy regulation.
The representative of Governor Sayouba Sawadogo reiterated ARSE's essential missions, which include ensuring compliance with regulations, protecting user interests, and guaranteeing a balanced environment for all stakeholders. He stressed the importance of local authorities fully understanding and implementing these rules to ensure the coherent application of public policies.
He highlighted the strategic role of energy as a "pillar of sovereignty, an engine of growth and a tool for social equity," reaffirming the government's commitment under President Captain Ibrahim Traore to make energy accessible, reliable, and resilient for all.
Mr. Yaya Soura noted that the participants' engagement reflects a growing interest in energy governance. He highlighted Law No. 014-2017/AN, which grants local authorities a significant role in energy planning, particularly in developing electrification schemes, managing public lighting, and maintaining infrastructure.
Throughout the three-day event, representatives from the regions of Nakambe, Nazinon, Goulmou, Sirba, and Tapoa, supported by energy technicians and SONABEL, received thematic communications to better understand tariff structures, user rights, appeals, and financing mechanisms for electricity access.
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants expressed satisfaction with the discussions and tools provided, stating that these achievements will enhance the implementation of energy policies at the local level. According to the organizers, the workshop's conclusions will contribute to more effective management of the national energy heritage and strengthening of local governance.