COP27: Accelerating Efforts Towards Implementation of Projects Key to Achieve SDG7 in Africa
The expansion of modern energy access in Africa requires the adoption of innovative financing mechanisms, especially at the domestic level. This is something participants of the session “Financing SDG7 in Africa – on track towards a just energy transition?” agreed on during the discussion.
On 9 November the Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP) hosted the debate on the main stage of the SDG Pavilion at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The speakers noted that, in addition to innovative approaches, access to international climate finance will be crucial to complement domestic financing for energy infrastructure.
The panel discussion built on the findings of the AEEP’s European Financial Flows on SDG7 to Africa report. Panelists reflected on the potential to pursue SDG7 through on-grid and distributed energy solutions. The speakers pointed out that the solution to the energy access challenge in Africa will have to be a combination of both grid and off-grid solutions. African countries are characterised by scattered settlements far away from the grid. Off-grid renewable energy solutions will provide the least-cost option for energy access in rural and remote communities.
The event also showcased the progress made on-grid with the Continental Power System Masterplan (CMP) and the Africa Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), as well as the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa, and the AU’s adoption of the Just Energy Transition and its pathways.
One of the main conclusions of the discussion was that regional integration of energy systems in Africa provides opportunities to create larger energy markets, reduce costs of energy and enhance profitability of investments. For this work to be successful, the development, harmonisation and implementation of effective policies and regulatory frameworks will be important.
In conclusion the speakers agreed that Africa is on track to achieve the SDG7. What is now required is to mobilise all stakeholders and accelerate efforts towards implementation of projects.
The one-hour panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Crispen Zana, Principal Energy Advisor, AUDA-NEPAD, and the panelists included:
– H.E. Mr Raila Odinga, Special advisor on infrastructure, AUC
– Mr Papa Samba Ba, Director and Focal Point for Energy Transition, Senegal
– Ibrah Wahabou, Head of Infrastructure and Connectivity Unit, AUDA-NEPAD
– Dr. Ignacio Perez-Arriaga, Director of the African School of Regulation
– Mr. Johan van den Berg, Head of Secretariat, AEEP
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