In a landmark initiative at COP 29, the African Union (AU) unveiled the African Energy Efficiency Programme and the African Energy Efficiency Alliance (AEEA), signaling a robust commitment to transforming energy systems across the continent. The announcement, made at the Africa Pavilion and organized by the African Energy Commission (AFREC), underscores energy efficiency as a cornerstone of Africa’s sustainable development agenda.
Speaking at the event, Her Excellency Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union Commission, emphasized the continent’s ambition to significantly enhance energy productivity. “Through the African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan, we aim to boost Africa’s energy productivity by 50% by 2050 and 70% by 2063, aligning with the global target to double energy efficiency by 2030,” she stated.
The African Energy Efficiency Strategy (AfEES) provides a comprehensive roadmap to implement energy-efficient practices across sectors such as power, agriculture, industry, transport, buildings, and clean cooking. These efforts align with Africa’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, prioritizing emissions reduction and climate resilience.
An AFREC report highlighted the potential impact of energy-efficient policies, noting that Africa could save up to 175 TWh by 2040—equivalent to avoiding the need for over 80 new 500 MW power plants—through appliance market transformation initiatives targeting lighting, cooling systems, motors, and transformers.
To foster collaboration and mobilize resources, the AU launched the African Energy Efficiency Alliance (AEEA). The platform aims to bring together governments, businesses, NGOs, development partners, and academia to accelerate the continent’s transition to energy-efficient systems.
“Realizing these goals requires both technical expertise and financial resources,” Dr. Abou-Zeid added. “The AEEA will drive knowledge-sharing, advocacy, research, and fund mobilization to support energy efficiency programs across Africa.”
The initiative has garnered strong international support. Carla Montesi, Director at the European Union Directorate-General for International Partnerships, reaffirmed the EU’s partnership with AFREC to double global energy efficiency improvements by 2030. “This alliance is pivotal for fostering collaboration and mobilizing the necessary resources to support Africa’s energy transition,” she noted.
Denmark’s Under Secretary for Development, Ole Thonke, commended the AU’s leadership, stating, “The African Energy Efficiency Alliance is a crucial step toward building an energy-resilient Africa. Denmark remains committed to partnering with African nations to achieve their energy efficiency targets, fostering economic growth and innovation.”
The launch of the Programme and the Alliance marks a critical milestone in Africa’s journey toward a sustainable energy future. As stakeholders rally around this ambitious strategy, the AU’s initiative is expected to drive substantial progress in closing the energy access gap while advancing environmental and economic goals.
