Rwanda to host sustainable energy forum for East Africa 2018

Mar 15, 2018

In addition, the forum seeks to strengthen the regional network and provide a platform for knowledge- and experience sharing.

Kigali is to host a forum on sustainable energy for East Africa which aims at fostering economic transformation of the EAC partner states through equitable access to sustainable energy for all.

The forum, it is expected, will forge effective partnerships for achieving sustainable development goal- seven targets, which is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all in the EAC partner states by the year 2030.

Taking place from March 19 to 21, 2018, the forum is organised by the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the EAC secretariat, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Sustainable Energy For All (SEforALL) and the Ministry of Infrastructure of the Republic of Rwanda

Energy, according to EAC, Arusha, is essential in the running of daily domestic activities and operation of industry. "Availability of sufficient, reliable and affordable energy is crucial for the functioning of the economies of the EAC Partner States."

As a service and productive sector, energy plays a catalytic role in stimulating investments and higher levels of productivity. Article 101 of the Treat for the Establishment of the EAC calls for the EAC Partner States to explore measures to supply affordable energy to the people of the region, while taking into account the protection of the environment.

The Forum will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies on the harmonization of renewable energy and efficient energy (RE & EE) policies, upscaling financing in RE & EE projects and technologies, as well as exchange knowledge, experiences and inform about ongoing and planned regional programmes.

In addition, the forum seeks to strengthen the regional network and provide a platform for knowledge- and experience sharing.

The Forum will bring together policy makers, experts, civil society and private sector representatives and development partners to share best practices, identify opportunities and challenges, and find solutions to the energy challenges in East Africa.

These include EAC Secretary General Amb. Libérat Mfumukeko; Sustainable Energy for All CEO, Rachel Kyte; UNIDO Director of Energy, Tareq Emtairah; Austrian Development Agency Managing Director, Martin Ledolter; International Solar Alliance (ISA) Director General, Upendra Tripathi; and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Deputy Director General, Sakari Oksanen among others.

The 2018 edition of the sustainable energy forum will focus on the following seven thematic areas: Access to Energy;  Roadmap of a Sustainable Energy future for East Africa;  Financing Sustainable Energy projects in the EAC; Energy and Gender in the EAC region; Sustainable City development in the region; and Geothermal Energy. 

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