AEEP Energy Talks: Sunlight Success: Pursuing African Development Priorities Through a Solar Economy
To highlight the benefits of a solar economy in Africa, the Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP) is organising the 11th AEEP Energy Talks on “Sunlight Success: Pursuing African Development Priorities Through a Solar Economy” on 5 July 2023, from 14:00 to 15:30 CEST. The webinar aims to bring together key stakeholders, experts, and policymakers to discuss and explore the potential of a solar economy in Africa.
Africa possesses 60% of the world’s best solar resources but only 1% of solar generation capacity, according to the International Energy Agency. However, guided by the aspirations of Agenda 2063, including industrialisation, regional integration, and increased intra-continental trade, and with abundant solar resources, vast land, and rich deposits of critical minerals, Africa can pioneer the emerging solar economy. Additionally, as over 40% of the continent’s CO2 emissions come from 12 African countries committed to reaching net zero emissions, Africa can benefit from the global clean energy transition, attracting climate finance and technology spill overs for economic and social development.
As Africa pursues its ambitious vision, it is crucial for governments, policymakers, and stakeholders to recognise the immense potential of solar energy and create an enabling environment for its development. By shifting outdated assumptions and implementing forward-thinking policies, Africa can overcome barriers and attract significant investments to create a thriving solar industry. Embracing solar energy would not only drive economic growth but also enhance energy security, mitigate climate change impacts, and improve the well-being of Africans.
To discuss the emergence of a solar economy, the AEEP Energy Talks will convene speakers from the European Commission and the African Union Commission and hear a keynote speech from AUDA-NEPAD. A panel of experts from industry and government will share their insights on how to develop a solar-based economy.
Speakers include:
–Dr Kamugisha Kazaura, Director Infrastructure & Energy, African Union Commission (TBC)
–Mr Stefano Signore, Head of Unit DG INTPA, European Commission (TBC)
–Dr Towela Jere, Head Economic Integration, AUDA-NEPAD (TBC)
–Rabia Ferroukhi, Director, Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre, IRENA (TBC)
–Máté Heisz, Director of Global Affairs, SolarPower Europe
–Dr Maged Mahmoud, Technical Director, the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE).
The webinar is held in English and will be moderated by AEEP’s Head of Secretariat, Mr Johan van den Berg.
Interested in joining online? Please register above to receive further information.
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You may download the draft agenda here.
