In a significant stride towards a sustainable energy future, the African Union (AU) launched the African Energy Efficiency Programme and the African Energy Efficiency Alliance (AEEA) during the COP 29 summit. This initiative, led by the African Energy Commission (AFREC), underscores energy efficiency as a cornerstone of Africa’s efforts to address climate change and promote economic growth.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, emphasized the continent’s ambitious targets, including enhancing energy productivity by 50% by 2050 and 70% by 2063. These objectives align with the global goal of doubling energy efficiency by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. The African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan provides a roadmap to implement energy-efficient practices across sectors, including power generation, agriculture, transport, industrial processes, buildings, and clean cooking.
An AFREC report highlights the transformative potential of these measures, projecting savings of up to 175 TWh by 2040 through initiatives such as upgrading lighting, cooling systems, and motors. These savings could eliminate the need for over 80 new 500 MW power plants, significantly reducing both costs and emissions. The launch of the African Energy Efficiency Alliance (AEEA) aims to foster collaboration among governments, businesses, NGOs, academia, and development partners to scale energy-efficient solutions across the continent.
International support for the initiative has been strong. Carla Montesi of the European Union Directorate-General for International Partnerships praised the alliance’s role in advancing global energy efficiency targets, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to providing technical and financial backing. Denmark’s Under Secretary for Development, Ole Thonke, lauded the AU’s leadership and pledged continued partnership to support Africa’s energy transition.
The African Energy Efficiency Programme and the AEEA represent a landmark moment in Africa’s sustainable development journey. By prioritizing energy efficiency, the continent is taking a bold step to address energy access gaps, mitigate climate change, and drive economic growth, setting a powerful example for global action.
