Baku, Azerbaijan – 15 November 2024: In a crucial step towards securing a sustainable and energy-efficient future for the African continent, the African Union (AU) launched the African Energy Efficiency Programme and the African Energy Efficiency Alliance at COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The high-level meeting, organised by the African Energy Commission (AFREC) of the African Union at the Africa Pavilion, underscored the role of energy efficiency in closing the energy access gap and driving the transformation of Africa's energy systems.

Energy efficiency is central to Africa’s efforts to enhance energy access, reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), lower energy costs, and foster a clean energy transition.

The African Energy Efficiency Strategy (AfEES) lays out a roadmap for implementing energy-efficient practices across key sectors, including power, industry, agriculture, buildings, transport and clean cooking, as well as a clear pathway to achieving the AU's ambitious energy productivity targets. These efforts are fully aligned with Africa's commitment to the Paris Agreement and the global push to reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience.

Her Excellency Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union Commission, highlighted the continent's commitment to ambitious energy goals: “We are currently mobilizing stakeholders to implement the African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan. Through this strategy, we aim to enhance Africa’s energy productivity by 50% by 2050 and 70% by 2063, in alignment with the global target to double energy efficiency by 2030."

According to the AFREC savings assessment report, African countries could save up to 175 TWh (equivalent to over 80 new 500 MW power plants) by 2040 through appliance market transformation initiatives. These savings are based on market transformation efforts targeting lighting, cooling appliances, motors, and transformers.

Dr. Abou-Zeid underlined that it will require collaboration across governments, businesses, development partners, academia, and civil society. “Realizing these goals requires both technical expertise and financial resources. That is why we are launching the African Energy Efficiency Alliance (AEEA), which will serve as a collaborative platform for knowledge sharing, advocacy, research, and fund mobilization for energy efficiency programs across Africa."

The African Energy Efficiency Alliance (AEEA) aims to unite a wide range of stakeholders from regional energy centres and economic communities to governments, development partners, businesses, NGOs, and research institutions to accelerate Africa's transition towards energy-efficient systems.

Partners present at the event commended Africa's growing attention to energy efficiency, recognizing the continent's commitment to sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

European Union Directorate-General for International Partnerships Ms. Carla Montesi reiterated the urgency of global collaboration to meet the energy efficiency targets. “The EU, in partnership with AFREC, is launching the African Energy Efficiency Alliance to contribute to the doubling of global energy efficiency improvements by 2030, as called for by COP 28. This platform is crucial for fostering collaboration and increasing technical and financial commitments to support Africa's energy transition.”

Ole Thonke, Under Secretary for Development, Denmark, also praised the initiative, stating: "Denmark strongly supports the African Union's leadership in promoting energy efficiency as a key pillar of sustainable development. The African Energy Efficiency Alliance is an important step towards creating a more energy-resilient Africa. As we transition to a greener future, Denmark is committed to collaborating with African nations in realizing their energy efficiency targets, which will not only drive emissions reductions but also create new opportunities for economic growth and innovation."

As the African Union embarks on this ambitious journey the launch of the Programme and the Alliance at COP 29 marks a significant milestone in Africa's pursuit of a sustainable energy future.

Media Inquiries: Ms. Bezayit Eyoel | Department of Infrastructure and Energy | African Union Commission | E-mail: BezayitE@africa-union.org

Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org

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