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Africa-EU
Energy Partnership

AEEP Forum – 4th edition – 6 March, Cape Town, South Africa 

Africa-Europe energy relations are more important than ever, not only to boost economic development in Africa, but also to ensure energy security and jointly fight climate change. To take stock of the successful bicontinental collaboration to date and further align on shared priorities and a vision for achieving SDG7 – access to modern, sustainable and reliable energy for all, the Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP) is hosting the fourth annual AEEP Forum under the theme:

Accelerating Joint Action for Financing SDG7 in Africa

The AEEP Forum will take place on the sidelines of the Africa Energy Indaba on 6 March, in Cape Town, South Africa. To register visit the registration platform: AEEP Forum – Africa Energy Indaba. You can sign up for in-person or virtual participation.

South Africa serves as a perfect location to discuss joint accelerated approaches for financing SDG7 considering the countries G20 presidency in 2025. Under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’ South Africa aims to address the multiple crisis we are facing, including climate change, underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, hunger and unemployment by building partnerships across all sectors of society. During its presidency South Africa aims to mobilise finance for just energy transitions through strengthening multilateral development banks, enhancing and streamlining support for country platforms such as the Just Energy Transition Partnership and more effectively leveraging private capital. Jointly with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the global campaign ‘Scaling up Renewables in Africa’ to mobilise investments into the sector.

Such joint efforts are critical to reach SDG7 in Africa. A recent report by the Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP), which assesses ‘European Financial Flows on SDG7 to Africa’, however, concludes that the pace of progress remains too slow to meet SDG7 in Africa, especially considering the 2030 target. This is despite consistent efforts by the European Union (EU) and its Member States, other public donors, and African governments, which have resulted in the additional vital energy infrastructure. Especially clean cooking and energy efficiency are the two SDG7-areas that have been dramatically underfunded with very low levels of public commitments.

To discuss effective ways forward, the AEEP is convening stakeholders from the public and private sector, as well as civil society, to discuss the financing needs for achieving SDG7 and how to scale up renewable energy through the bicontinental action in a true partnership of equals with mutual benefits.

AGENDA AEEP Forum – 4th edition

10:00
Registration
11:00
Unlocking Private Sector Investments to Finance the Energy Transition in Africa

Opening remarks: 

  • Gianluca Azzoni, Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to the African Union

    Panel discussion: 

    • Kamugisha Kazaura, Director for Infrastructure and Energy, African Union Commission (Virtual)
    • Amine Idriss Adoum, Director of Infrastructure and Energy, African Union Development Agency – NEPAD
    • Zwelibanzi Sapula, CEO, Southern African Development Community Development Finance Resource Centre
    • Rebecca Rhodes, Senior Strategy and Programmes Manager, GOGLA
    • Vanessa Baldwin, COO & DIRECTOR, CATA

    Moderator:

    • Liezle Wilson, Journalist, SABC 
            12:30
            Networking lunch
            14:00
            From Silos to Systems: Integrating Clean Cooking with Gender, Livelihoods, and Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Resilience

            This side event, co-hosted by the Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), aims to bring together experts from diverse fields to foster a comprehensive discussion on achieving clean cooking access.

            Opening remarks:

            • Towela Nyirenda-Jere, Head of Secretariat, Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP)

            Presentation:

            • Gamelihle Sibanda, Senior Specialist, Employment Intensive Investment Programmes, Decent Work Team for Southern and Eastern Africa, ILO
            • Mito Tsukamoto, Chief of the Global Employment in Investments (EMPINVEST), Employment Policy Department, ILO

            Panel discussion:

            • Ad Dankers, Renewable Energy Project Finance Advisor, GET.invest
            • Guy Preston, Former Deputy Director General, Environmental Affairs, South Africa
            • Claudia Schröder, Senior Professional Officer: Climate change, energy and resilience, ICLEI Africa
            • Gamelihle Sibanda, Senior Specialist, Employment Intensive Investment Programmes, Decent Work Team for Southern and Eastern Africa, ILO

            Moderator:

            • Liezle Wilson, Journalist, SABC
            16:00
            Close of AEEP Forum – Summary and road ahead

            Closing remarks 

            REGISTRATION

            The AEEP Forum enables participants to engage on key questions on the future of energy in Africa and will bring in the varied voices needed for translating this into action. Register today to join the half-day event!

            MEDIA

            Find more information and news stories here. If you would like to receive news and updates by e-mail, please sign-up to our newsletter or send an inquiry to bezawit.demere@aeep-secretariat.org or felipe.sabogal@aeep-secretariat.org.

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            The AEEP is supported by its Steering Group: