Dubai, Dec 2 (IANS): A new partnership between UNOPS and SEforALL will support governments, donors and other stakeholders to accelerate Africa’s energy transition and find a sustainable way to meet its growing energy needs, one of the key development challenges for the continent.
The Africa Energy Transition Partnership (AETP), announced on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, will deliver joint action and improved coordination, addressing issues that hinder access to renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure.
Over 40 percent of the population in Africa lives without access to electricity and 70 percent without access to clean cooking fuel. Africa has enormous energy potential, particularly in renewable energy sources, yet only a fraction of this is currently being used.
In this context, the partnership represents a unique opportunity to support the region’s energy development and climate development goals.
The mobilization of technical and financial resources in energy projects remains a key challenge. The partnership will bring donors together with African governments and other stakeholders to develop a shared vision to ensure the right energy mix for the continent.
UNOPS, a UN agency, will be responsible for managing the funds and providing operational and administrative support, while SEforALL will provide access to funding and technical assistance.
The Partnership for Energy Transition in Africa will have a pan-continental outlook, however, as an initial step, its first phase will be implemented in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya by 2028, with other African countries joining at the start of the programme.
AETP builds on the lessons learned from the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership, which from 2020 is supporting Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy system.
Jorge Moreira da Silva, UNOPS Executive Director said: “Access to reliable and clean energy is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Africa’s rapid economic expansion requires sustainable solutions to meet growing energy needs and this is one of the key developments challenges for the continent.
“UNOPS is committed to supporting Africa in its efforts to provide access to energy for all and to ensure that the clean energy transition delivers on Africa’s economic and social development.”
Damilola Ogunbiyi, Managing Director and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sustainable Energy for All, observed: “Africa’s energy transition presents an unparalleled opportunity to address climate change and promote sustainable development.
“It is extremely vital to think about how people access and consume energy, especially in regions where energy infrastructure is not adequately responding to demand. This is why at Sustainable Energy for All we are working with African governments to develop Economy-wide Energy Transition and Investment Plans that help build energy systems to support economic and social development and achieve net zero emissions.”