High Level Event on Energy Efficiency

Date: Monday 4 September

Time: 2:00pm to 3:00 pm EAT

Location: TBD

Organizers: Ministry of Energy & Petroleum, Kenya

The global energy crisis and rising energy demand shows the urgency of accelerating investment in cheaper and cleaner energy in Africa. Energy efficiency is a key pillar for building Africa’s new energy economy! Uncertainties over economic prospects and energy prices are limiting opportunities for investment in energy infrastructure projects in Africa, with low levels of investment in absolute terms despite enormous access needs. Energy efficiency has and continues to play a critical role in improving living standards around the world, and it is the first and best response to simultaneously meet affordability, supply security and climate goals – as it reduces the problem to be solved.

The next challenge for energy efficiency policy on the African continent is to continue to reinforce traditional policy approaches while increasing ambitions to develop modern, clean and efficient energy systems. Key areas where energy efficiency policies and action can be strengthened to support Africa's goals are in buildings and electric mobility, appliances and grid efficiency through reducing system losses.

The event will open with high-level interventions to continue to build political will to ensure citizens in Africa benefit from the social and economic improvements to their lives that energy efficiency can bring. This will be followed by a panel discussion on energy efficiency discussion covering each of the thematic areas from an African perspective.

Programme: 

Opening Session: 

• H.E Davis Chirchir, Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Kenya
• Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency
• H.E Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union Commission
• H.E Dan Jorgensen, Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Denmark

Panel discussion: Opportunities for unlocking Africa’s energy efficiency potential

• H.E. Minister Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy of South Africa
• H.E. Minister Prempeh, Minister of Energy, Ghana
• Dr. Ana Fontoura Gouveia, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate, Portugal
• Ms. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme
• Mr. Walid Sheta, Schneider Electric, President Middle East and Africa

Closing Session

Explore UNEP's full list of activities during Africa Climate Week/Africa Climate Summit 2023.