Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>The successful deployment of coastal wind energy in West Africa depends on national policy frameworks. This study compares energy policies, renewable targets, regulatory frameworks, institutions, and deployment strategies in seven coastal states: Nigeria, Benin, Mauritania, Togo, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ghana. Using a mixed-methods design, it examines key policy instruments (feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, net metering, auctions, and investment funds) and assesses policy maturity and implementation. The findings show wide disparities: Mauritania has the most advanced wind deployment and enabling policies; Ghana has a cohesive framework but limited implementation; Nigeria’s fragmented regulation constrains progress despite ambitious targets; and Benin, Togo, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire remain at an early stage with little operational capacity. Barriers include institutional fragmentation, weak enforcement, fossil fuel subsidies, inadequate grids, and limited technical capacity. Regional ECOWAS mechanisms offer opportunities for policy harmonisation but lack binding enforcement. The study recommends a regional wind energy task force, standardised PPAs, harmonised regulatory standards, and targeted capacity building to accelerate coastal wind deployment through regional integration.</p>