‘Renewable energy initiative a big step toward universal access in Africa’

The approval by the African Development Bank (AfDB) board to serve as trustee of Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) and manage its resources is key step toward efforts to increase access to electricity to ensure sustainable development on the continent, Rwandan officials have said. The approval means the bank will host the AREI’s independent delivery unit as requested by African Heads of State and government. Commenting on the development, local energy pundits said the initiative is timely and could help reinforce the country’s efforts to scale up renewable energy generation and use. Robert Nyamvumba, the in-charge of energy division at the Ministry of Infrastructure, said the initiative aims at scaling up access to energy, promoting the use of clean cooking technologies, increasing use of renewable sources of energy for lighting and industrial production. The scheme also promotes efficient energy use, all of which are within ideals espoused by the government as it pushes for universal access to power in the country. Last month, Rwanda joined a global universal energy initiative, Sustainable Energy For All, a United Nations-led scheme geared toward actions that aim at positively transforming the world’s energy systems. The AREI is an initiative of the African Union that aims at harnessing the continent’s abundant renewable energy resources to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as improve standards of living and promote sound economic development by ensuring universal access to sufficient amounts of clean, appropriate and affordable energy. It also seeks to help African countries embrace renewable energy systems to support low-carbon development initiatives and enhance energy security, as well as help address climate change challenges as the continent look to transition to green growth strategies. The AREI initiative was launched at COP21 in Paris in December 2015 and is receiving strong international support from development partners who have committed to mobilising at least $10 billion to harness Africa’s renewable energy potential and expand energy access across the continent.

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‘Renewable energy initiative a big step toward universal access in Africa’