Istanbul, Turkey – 13th October, 2016: The AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr. Elham M.A. Ibrahim, has been elected as the World Energy Council (WEC) Vice-Chair for Africa during the just concluded 23rd World Energy Congress organised by the Council in Istanbul, Turkey from 09 to 13 October, 2016. The Commissioner was nominated and elected by the council during the Executive Assembly Meeting on 09 October, 2016.
The Council noted the continued leadership and passion shown by the Commissioner in initiating, promoting and partnering on various energy access initiatives on the continent including Regional Integration projects such as the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF). The Council also noted the huge experience of the Commissioner in the African energy sector at the national, regional and continental levels.
Accepting the appointment, Dr.Elham Ibrahim said,“I am happy to use my experiences of over 30 years working in the African energy sector to contribute towards development of Africa’s energy sector and the achievement of the WEC goals and programs. Dr. Elham Ibrahim also called for stronger commitments from Member States, development partners, financial institutions, the private sector and civil societies to address the energy challenges in Africa and ensure universal energy access to all Africans. “The development of the African energy sector will be crucial to eliminating poverty and ensuring the achievement of transformative and inclusive development on the continent as stated in the AU Agenda 2063”, she said.
She also recognised the role and experience of the World Energy Council (WEC) in mobilising and engaging with Governments and the private sector in proffering sustainable and innovative solutions to the energy access challenges at the global, continental and national levels.
For more information contact:
Dr. Barakat Faragalla Abdelrehim Ahmed
Special Assistant to the commissioner
Ahmedb@africa-union.org
00251115182403
