ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS IN AFRICA (EELA)
The Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) Program is driving market transformation towards a cleaner, more resilient, and inclusive energy market in Africa. By promoting and accelerating the market for affordable, high-performing energy-efficient technologies and services, EELA is enhancing livelihoods and sustainability.
Our work directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while addressing what energy efficiency is in practical terms. Building on success in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe, EELA continues to support regional and national-level programs to reduce emissions, strengthen energy access and empower local industries and communities.
EELA is funded by the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS
THE CHALLENGE
Tackling Inefficiency, Enabling Growth
In Africa, access to modern energy-efficient technologies remains limited with many market relying on outdated, inefficient equipment that drives up energy costs and harms the environment. This challenge not only hinders industrial progress but burdens homes and businesses with equipment, appliances and products that is costly to run.
EELA addresses these obstacles in a holistic way through policy and regulatory interventions, capacity building, skills development, and concrete technology demonstrations with opportunities for business partnerships. Our approach enables public-private collaboration to accelerate access to energy-efficient solutions through market creation, working with national and local governments to establish effective policies and standards while partnering with the private sector to build local value chains for energy-efficient solutions.
By implementing energy-saving techniques across industrial facilities and communities, we create substantial energy savings, improve industrial competitiveness, and develop markets that benefit businesses, households, and the environment.
OPPORTUNITIES & BENEFITS
A Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Future
The benefits of energy efficient appliances, products, buildings and infrastructure extend throughout the economy. EELA delivers multiple benefits that enhance livelihoods across the continent including:
- Lower Energy Costs: Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and energy labels reduce electricity bills, boosting affordability and competitiveness.
- Job Creation & Business Growth: Industrial energy efficiency improvements and productive use of energy drive employment and economic opportunities.
- Market Transformation & Sustainable Supply Chains: Our work reduces costs, fosters innovation, and strengthens sustainable energy supply chains.
- Enhanced Energy Access & Reliability: Energy-efficient appliances reduce grid strain, ensuring stable power for key sectors.
- Reduced Energy Poverty: Sustainable energy access lowers household costs, boosts productivity, and supports livelihoods.
OUR IMPACT SO FAR
480,000
tonnes CO2 saved
160 million
lives impacted
US $ 59M
electricity cost savings
173
jobs created
600,000 MWh
energy saved
10,827
people reached through awareness campaigns
HOW DOES EELA SERVE YOU?
For Government and Policymakers
Creating Enabling Frameworks for Sustainable Energy Transitions
EELA supports government partners through:
- Policy and regulation support that accelerates market development
- Knowledge sharing with best practices from other regions and industry experts
- Guidelines for e-waste disposal and energy efficient labelling implementation
- Support for international obligations by helping create effective policies and enforcement mechanisms
- Technical expertise with an unbiased and impartial approach to energy challenges
Our work enables you to establish sustainable local value chains, reduce emissions, and meet climate commitments while driving economic development.
For Industry and Private Sector
Driving Competitiveness through Energy Efficiency Innovation
EELA helps businesses thrive through:
- Reduced energy costs through measuring, reporting, and optimizing consumption
- Enhanced profitability through policy frameworks that improve access to financing
- Facilitating knowledge sharing and testing capabilities between regions
- Technical training to implement energy efficiency measures effectively
- Post-harvest loss reduction through high-performing cooling and agricultural processing equipment
- Sustainable supply chain development and circular economy integration
Partner with us to access quality products, regional knowledge networks, and the technical expertise needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
For Consumers
Affordable, Reliable Energy Solutions for Your Everyday Needs
EELA improves lives by:
- Increasing access to high-quality, long-lasting appliances and equipment
- Preventing poor-performing products from entering the market
- Reducing household energy bills through more efficient technologies
- Supporting e-waste management to protect local environments
- Expanding access to clean, affordable energy for everyone
Our work directly contributes to poverty reduction and improved quality of life through more accessible, sustainable energy for all community members.
EELA’s E-Learning Platform
Our free E-Learning Platform helps individuals and institutions strengthen energy efficiency knowledge and skills.
Our self-paced modules support training in repair, maintenance, MEPS compliance and sustainable end-of-life practices.
POWERING AFRICA'S ENERGY EFFICIENT FUTURE
Join a powerful movement transforming Africa's energy landscape through efficiency innovation. EELA implements energy saving techniques across industries and communities, building smarter systems that deliver cleaner, more affordable and reliable energy solutions.
From energy efficient home ideas to industrial-scale interventions, we're creating a sustainable energy ecosystem that powers economic growth, enhances climate resilience, and promotes social equity across the continent.
Together, let's switch on Africa's energy efficient future, where renewable energy and sustainable development create opportunities for generations to come.