The Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances (EELA) project aims to enhance access to sustainable energy and reduce the negative impacts of the energy system in the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions. To achieve this, EELA is fostering the development of dynamic markets for energy-efficient lighting and appliances in these areas. The project is crucial in establishing regional institutional capacity and financial mechanisms that prioritize energy efficiency (EE) and attract private investment for sustainable development across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in the coming years. This includes a focus on regional policy harmonisation, market incentives, capacity building, financial support, awareness raising, and gender considerations.
Outlook and approach
Achieving global net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 necessitates increased investments in energy efficiency (EE), especially in emerging and developing countries. These countries must prioritize EE investments to align their energy system development with the Paris Agreement between 2030 and 2060.
The EELA project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving living standards by enhancing access to energy-efficient appliances in the member states of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions.
Funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), the five-year project (2019-2024) is being implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with the East African Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Efficiency (EACREEE) and the Southern African Development Community Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE).
The EELA project's primary goal is to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient (EE) appliances at both regional and national levels. The emphasis on lighting and appliances arises from an analysis of market dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa, a region where electricity demand is expected to rise by 75% by 2030 due to improving living standards, population growth, urbanization, and the impacts of climate change.
By focusing on key areas such as energy access, energy efficiency, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability, the EELA project significantly contributes to social equality and economic development. This approach benefits low-income households, small businesses, and women by providing immediate access to energy-efficient services such as lighting, refrigeration, and cooling. These improvements help alleviate poverty in developing countries by lowering household costs and enhancing health through reduced pollution from cleaner indoor lighting and cooking solutions.
Women are disproportionately affected by inefficient energy, as they often bear the primary responsibility for household chores. Therefore, the EELA project places special emphasis on integrating gender aspects to foster social and gender equality. By empowering women with increased access to high-quality energy-efficient products, the project not only addresses immediate household needs but also enables women to contribute more effectively to economic activities beyond the home. Additionally, involving women in decision-making processes and promoting their active participation in energy efficiency markets strengthens their agency and leadership roles, advancing broader societal goals of inclusivity, equality, and sustainable development.
On a strategic level, in conjunction with global initiatives like programs under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)United for Efficiency (U4E) and the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), the EELA project is supporting the establishment of a more comprehensive institutional infrastructure for energy efficiency programs by raising awareness and providing technical solutions and financial support.
The approach of the project aligns with local resources and expertise, providing new actors an opportunity to enter the market. It also lays the foundation for regional institutional capacity and financial mechanisms aimed at integrating the energy efficiency agenda and attracting private capital for sustainable investments in sub-Saharan Africa in the coming decades.
Policy and standards development
A primary outcome of the EELA project is the establishment of a conducive policy environment through harmonised Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and energy labels for appliances, compliance frameworks, waste management guidelines, and public procurement guidelines.
Accordingly, Regional and National Technical Committees were established, and a regional framework, strategy, and action plan were developed to assist EAC and SADC member countries in the implementation of EELA standards and policies.
In a major milestone, regional MEPS for lighting products were adopted in SADC and EAC in April 2021 and July 2022 respectively). This serves to prevent member states from being flooded by inefficient, low-quality lighting products and contributes significantly to strengthening regional and inter-regional trade. MEPS also enhance the bankability of EE schemes, as financial institutions use them as tangible Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for financing, thus accelerating the energy and climate transition.
The EELA project is presenting national stakeholder workshops in member states to assist them in the implementation and enforcement of the MEPS. To date, the MEPS for lighting has been adopted at the national level by Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, DRC, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and South Sudan, with initiatives for national adoption underway in various other EAC and SADC countries.
Moreover, progress in the development and implementation of regional MEPS for cooling has been notable, with Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, and Zimbabwe reaching advanced stages or having already implemented these standards.
Furthermore, the EELA project has devised a comprehensive regional Compliance Framework for Energy Efficiency (EE) to support EAC and SADC member states in effectively implementing and enforcing harmonized EELA policies. This framework is complemented by ongoing country-level sensitization workshops and training sessions, which serve to enhance awareness and build capacity continually.
In addition, the EELA project is supporting the development of the EAC Energy Efficiency Policy, which will provide an important regional EE framework and include targets for EE appliances.
Moreover, e-waste management guidelines for lighting appliances, cooling appliances, and solar panels in the EAC and SADC regions have been developed. These guidelines address electronic waste accumulation and promote proper disposal practices, emphasizing the critical link between waste management and energy-efficient appliances to minimize environmental impact when disposed of responsibly.
Capacity building and strengthening
EE standards and policies are ineffective without compliance and enforcement measures based on product testing and market surveillance. On this basis, the EELA project is equipping regional reference laboratories in Uganda, and Mozambique with the necessary training and equipment to service testing requirements in the SADC and EAC regions. In addition, technicians from other member states receive hands-on training at these reference laboratories, to strengthen collaborative efforts among national standards bodies.
To strengthen capacity for market surveillance activities at the national level, the EELA project has purchased portable lighting testing equipment for all 21 EAC and SADC member countries. As a result, countries will be able to carry out product screening, verify product compliance with regional MEPS, share intelligence, and collaborate on enforcement activities. The findings from these activities are the basis of a report to inform data-driven policy decisions.
In addition to these specific interventions, the EELA project has sought since its inception to involve broad energy stakeholders in capacity-building. Accordingly, the project has an e-learning platform available to all stakeholders free of charge. The training comprises five modules covering core EELA topics ranging from a general introduction to EE practices and policies to technical topics such as lighting, clean cooling, productive use, and market development.
To help drive the transition to EE practices at the local level, the EELA project has agreed with the Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre (KGRTC) to provide selected Change Agents from regional countries with certified training in six-month cycles based on the e-learning platform modules.
Certified Change Agents help member states implement energy efficiency policies, drive the process of adopting MEPS & labels, and introduce new energy service business models, with the technical assistance of the EELA project and partners.
“The EELA e-learning platform offers a range of valuable benefits. It provides accessible education on energy efficiency, technologies, and policies to various stakeholders, regardless of their location. Through modules, trainings and live webinars, the EELA project shares knowledge for the implementation of effective energy-efficiency solutions. These trainings also support and build capacity for individuals working towards businesses aimed at driving the market transformation/broader societal and economic benefits." – Tshikovhi Ndivhuho, Project Associate
Business support and market development
To foster market development and provide business support for the private sector to deliver efficient and high-quality energy services, as well as promote higher climate resilience and the creation of green jobs, a private sector strategy was developed for the EAC and SADC regions within the EELA project framework.
This led to the establishment of the EELA Technical Assistance and Co-Financing Facility, which offers technical assistance and financing for energy efficiency (EE) projects to qualifying supply chain actors. Building on the success of these efforts, the EELA project plans to expand the scope of its initiatives by launching a broader Energy Efficiency Financing Program, aimed at facilitating private sector-led projects for EE technologies using Energy Service Company (ESCO) financing models across sub-Saharan Africa.
Communication and awareness-raising
The EELA project actively engages in raising awareness among stakeholders about the manifold benefits of transitioning to energy-efficient (EE) products. This is achieved through comprehensive information campaigns across various platforms, including traditional media, social media channels like Linkedin or X, and community outreach events.
Furthermore, the EELA project has launched a dedicated website as a centralized resource hub to assist countries with vital information, tools, and guidelines. Additionally, it conducts a series of ongoing webinars focusing on key EELA topics, providing valuable insights and updates to stakeholders.
An integral component of the project is the annual Stakeholder Forum, designed as a collaborative platform involving multiple stakeholders to monitor progress in EE adoption. This forum serves to raise awareness about new EELA policies in the EAC and SADC regions, highlight emerging trends and initiatives, and assess the market potential for energy service companies.
Moreover, the 2023 Stakeholder forum under the theme of "Empowering Energy Efficient Appliances for Greater Livelihoods in EAC and SADC” marked the inception of the EELA Champion Awards, aimed at honouring exemplary leadership, dedication, and accomplishments demonstrated by countries, institutions, and individuals in advancing the objectives of EELA within the EAC and SADC regions.
In conclusion, the Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances (EELA) Project in East and Southern Africa stands as a powerful catalyst for advancing energy efficiency across sub-Saharan Africa. Through policy development, capacity building, supporting businesses, and improving gender and social equality, EELA is a project for a profound positive change.
Through its multifaceted approach, EELA is not only reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also improving living standards across the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions. By empowering individuals, businesses, and communities, the EELA project is pathing the way for a more sustainable future where access to energy-efficient appliances is attainable. As we move forward, the impact of EELA extends far beyond its duration, setting the stage for lasting change.
