The Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) Programme will take part as a speaker at the inaugural African Energy Efficiency Conference (AfEEC), scheduled for 10–11 December 2025 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Convened by the African Union Commission and the African Energy Commission under the theme “Advancing Africa’s Energy Efficiency Agenda through Strategic Partnerships”, the event represents the first continent-wide forum dedicated exclusively to energy efficiency policy—an important milestone toward the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

AfEEC will bring together ministers in charge of energy from African Union Member States, alongside senior representatives of development partners, the private sector, civil society, academia, and other key stakeholders. The conference aims to accelerate Africa’s energy transition by positioning energy efficiency as the continent’s “First Fuel” for sustainable development—helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen energy security, and build resilient and inclusive energy systems. “This conference marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s energy journey. As the continent continues to confront the dual challenge of meeting rising energy demand and addressing the impacts of climate change, energy efficiency stands out as one of the most powerful tools to transform our energy systems, drive economic growth, and deliver sustainable energy access for all. By optimising how we generate, distribute and consume energy, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance reliability, and create more resilient and inclusive energy systems,” stated H.E. Dr. Ing. Habtamu Itefa, Minister of Water and Energy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller will join the Opening Panel, together with leaders from the African Union, SEforALL, the IEA, and other partners—underscoring UNIDO’s commitment to policy harmonisation and industrial energy efficiency. EELA experts will contribute to several technical sessions:

• On December 10, Elin Mathilda Karlsson (UNIDO) will speak in Session IV(A) on “ESCOs and Financing of Energy Efficiency,” highlighting financing solutions to unlock private-sector investment and reinforce long-term sustainability (Multiconference Hall, h. 11:20).
• On December 11, Denis Ariho, Mawufemo Modjinou, and Readlay Makaliki, Technical Leads from EACREEE, ECREEE, and SACREEE and members of the EELA Team, will join Session XII, presenting regional energy efficiency programmes and their role in fostering market transformation (venue: Small CH 1, h. 12:00).
• Karlsson will also intervene in Session XIII(A) on Industrial Energy Efficiency and Productivity (Small CH 2, h. 14:00).

The full programme, including pre-conference activities and specialist training sessions, is available via the official conference link. 

The EELA programme will be present at the conference with a dedicated booth, offering an opportunity to meet our team and explore informative materials about our initiatives and ongoing activities.