A Kenyan energy expert, Geoffrey Aori Mabea, has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA), a specialized agency under the 24-member State Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). His appointment signals a significant step toward strengthening energy regulation and integration across the region.
Dr. Mabea, an accomplished energy economist and regulatory strategist, previously served as the executive secretary of the Energy Regulators Association of East Africa, based in Arusha, Tanzania. His new role places him at the helm of a crucial institution headquartered in Lusaka, Zambia, where he will oversee efforts to harmonize regulatory frameworks and promote cross-border energy investments.
Speaking on his appointment, Dr. Mabea expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by COMESA member states. “I want to thank the respective partner states for having confidence in me to spearhead the COMESA energy union. For Kenya, having seconded me, it’s a boost for our country and a vote of confidence in our ability to lead energy regulatory harmonization across COMESA nations,” he told Business Daily.
His appointment was ratified on February 18, 2025, by all COMESA partner states, underscoring a commitment to a unified and efficient energy regulatory environment. The agency’s primary mandate is to synchronize energy regulations among member countries, ensuring a stable and attractive climate for investments in the power sector.
Dr. Mabea’s leadership comes at a critical juncture as Africa prepares for a transformative shift in energy management. A key milestone in this journey is the anticipated launch of the Eastern African Power Pool’s regional electricity market in the second quarter of 2025. The initiative is expected to foster a more integrated and competitive energy marketplace, enhancing energy security and affordability across the continent.
The appointment of Dr. Mabea is widely seen as a strategic move to accelerate COMESA’s vision of an interconnected and well-regulated energy sector, ultimately driving economic growth and regional development. As he assumes office, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how his leadership steers the region toward a sustainable and efficient energy future.
