A reliable and comprehensive energy information base is required to set targets, design policies and programmes, as well as to enable citizens to make informed choices. Adequate national capacity to track progress towards universal modern energy access represents an especially crucial element of energy poverty alleviation and sustainable development strategies. This paper presents an assessment of the current human and institutional capacity and potential gaps and barriers with regard to measuring and reporting on energy poverty at the national level. The study focuses on five West African countries. Results include a better understanding of the related institutional framework, and insights into data availability and gaps, data gathering techniques, data handling and methodologies, and dissemination of data.