On March 26, 2025, the “Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa” (EELA) Program, implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), was officially launched at the Sweden House in Vienna. The event was hosted by Her Excellency Ms. Annika Lisa Markovic, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sweden to the International Organizations in Vienna, and brought together high-level representatives from the program’s partner organizations, including Mr. Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO, Ms. Rana Ghoneim, Directorof the Energy and Climate Action Division of UNIDO, Ms. Karin Reiss-Haimbala, EELA Program Manager of UNIDO, Mr. Benson Munyaradzi, Chief Director at Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Ms. Caroline Bastholm, Advisor and Program Manager at Swedish Power Africa, Sida, and Mr. Niclas Carlsson, Head of International Business Development at the Swedish Energy Agency.

Building on the foundation of the EELA Project, which has been successfully implemented since 2019 in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) regions, the newly scaled-up EELA Program now extends its reach to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and introduces a broader spectrum of synergistic energy efficiency interventions, promising transformative impacts at both regional and national levels. Aligned with UNIDO’s Regional Approach For Africa, EELA emphasizes harmonized action across continental, regional and national frameworks, leveraging sustainable energy as a key driver for growth and climate action. Fully aligned with the AfCFTA's goals, the Africa Union Industrialization Strategy, and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, and implemented under the umbrella of the UNIDO African Regional Strategy, EELA advances initiatives that reduce environmental impact, create green jobs, foster inclusive economic development, and promote gender equality.

Among the interventions currently under development through the EELA Program, introduced during the event, is the Industrial Clean-Tech Platform (ICTP), a digital infrastructure designed to accelerate the adoption of energy efficiency technologies and solutions, fostering partnerships, and stimulating investment. Hosted by partnering manufacturing associations, this one-stop-shop platform will offer African industries with access to innovative technologies at competitive prices, along with investment planning tools and catalytic grants to support technology adoption as well as private sector collaboration.

In his keynote address, Director General Müller underscored the transformative potential of energy efficiency in enabling sustainable livelihood opportunities and finally drive a resilient green industrialization over the long-term. “Addressing the growing demand for energy efficiency initiatives can have a crucial impact on supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth”, he stated. “We are proud to see the EELA Project evolved into a regional Program that now encompasses already a large part of the continent. By encouraging energy-efficient prctices, refining policies, and driving industrial investments, the program aims to tackle energy inefficiency as a barrier to development. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Sweden and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) for their unwavering support. Together, we are looking forward to extending the program’s benefits to other African partners through new collaborations and funding opportunities” he continued.

Her Excellency Ms. Annika Lisa Markovic shared her insights on Sweden’s commitment to advancing energy efficiency policies and practices in Africa. “ “Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa” (EELA) is a bold and transformative program aiming to accelerate sustainable growth through partnership between governments, the private sector and key organizations. By enhancing African industries’ access to sustainable and high-solutions from Sweden, Europe and beyond, this program aims to support their growth and help local businesses position themselves competitively on both domestic and international markets”, she stated.