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
EELA addresses these challenges in two ways. Firstly, by working with national and local Governments to establish effective policies and standards to accelerate the market for energy efficient solutions. Secondly, partnering with the private sector to establish a local value chain and equipping business and industry with essential skills and knowledge.
The approach enables public-private collaboration to accelerate access to energy efficient solutions through market creation.
OPPORTUNITIES & BENEFITS
A Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Future
The benefits of energy efficient appliances, products, buildings and infrastructure extend throughout the economy.
More efficient cooling and agricultural processing equipment, for example, reduces post-harvest losses, enhancing food security. By strengthening regional value chains and deploying innovative business models (such as energy-as-a-service), EELA enables a just energy transition, especially for off-grid communities relying on solar systems.
This approach demonstrates how renewable energy can contribute to sustainable development across Africa.
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 the 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.