Stockholm, March 14, 2025 – Experts and stakeholders from Africa and beyond gathered in Stockholm for a pivotal event aimed at exploring, aligning, and strategizing innovative opportunities to driving the continent’s energy efficiency agenda forward. Organized by the Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) program, which is implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with funds from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), this week-long meeting and study tour, running from March 10 to 14, brought together leaders from governments, the private sector, and international and national organizations to foster collaboration and drive innovation in adopting energy efficiency practices, aiming for inclusive and sustainable industrial development across sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative, crucial in assessing the governance frameworks and the business models that enable the development of an energy-efficient market and industry in Africa, has been made possible through the efforts of UNIDO, the Swedish Energy Agency (SEA), Business Sweden (BuS), GloFin Advisory AB, and Borg&Co.

The event featured a comprehensive agenda, introducing the EELA Program and unveiling its new design and expanded scope. Building on the successful outcomes of phase one, which encompassed national projects from 2019 to 2024, the program now broadens its reach to address regional challenges. Its objectives include harmonizing standards, scaling solutions, and fostering enhanced collaboration to strengthen energy efficiency initiatives across the continent. 

Participants, including representatives from the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE), the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE), and the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), as well as business and manufacturing associations such as the Zambian Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), the Independent Tea Producers' Association of Kenya (ITPAK), the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), the Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA), the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), and the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), engaged in discussions on key aspects of scaling up energy efficiency solutions across sub-Saharan Africa. The agenda also covered technical topics, including Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), Market Verification and Enforcement (MVE) mechanisms, and the implications of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, providing actionable insights for regional implementation.

The meeting featured study tours to Swedish institutions and technology companies, where participants explored cutting-edge energy efficiency solutions. A visit to the Swedish Energy Agency spotlighted the agency’s role in advancing sustainable energy supply and its commitment to global partnerships. Discussions centered on energy efficiency-related business opportunities in Africa, the critical role of private-sector engagement, and the ICTP Cleantech Platform’s potential to connect suppliers and consumers with quality-assured solutions. In the following days, participants also toured leading Swedish companies, including Munters and Xylem, to see firsthand how advanced energy-efficient technologies are being applied in practice. These visits offered opportunities to explore potential technology transfers and collaborative projects tailored to African markets.

Speaking at the event, Karin Reiss-Haimbala, Program Manager of the EELA program, underscored the significance of harmonized energy efficiency approaches in addressing Africa’s unique challenges. “With population growth and climate change exerting immense pressure on energy systems, the EELA program offers a comprehensive strategy to address these issues. By fostering partnerships and promoting investments in energy-efficient solutions, we aim to support industries in moving toward value-added production while aligning with climate action goals.”

Adam Öjdahl, Regional Energy Advisor at the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi, highlighted Sweden’s dedication to Africa’s sustainable energy transition. “Sweden is committed to supporting clean energy solutions that meet regional needs while advancing global sustainability objectives. We look forward to seeing the expanded reach of EELA’s second phase, which will enhance technological collaboration and ensure equitable energy access for future generations.”
 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Giulia Zappa

UNIDO, Division of Energy and Climate Action

Unit of Just Energy Transition

Email: G.ZAPPA@unido.org

Mobile: +33 6 24502448