Delivering Affordable, Accessible and Sustainable Energy Solutions for Africa | Panel Session скачать в хорошем качестве

Delivering Affordable, Accessible and Sustainable Energy Solutions for Africa | Panel Session

Access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy is a cornerstone for Africa’s economic transformation, poverty alleviation, and progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Energy fuels economic activities, enables social services, and improves the overall quality of life, yet significant access gaps persist, disproportionately affecting the African continent. Globally, 675 million people remain without electricity, and Africa is home to 17 of the 20 countries with the highest electricity access deficits (SDG 7 Tracking Report, 2023). The challenges extend beyond electricity access. According to the 2023 SDG 7 Tracking Report, approximately 2.3 billion people worldwide lack access to clean cooking fuels, a basic necessity tied to health and environmental outcomes. Africa’s energy landscape is poised for dramatic change, with energy demand projected to increase by 60% by 2030, as projected by the International Energy Agency. However, renewable energy, which offers a pathway to cleaner and more sustainable development, currently constitutes just 20% of the continent’s energy mix. This panel session will delve into strategies for bridging these energy gaps while ensuring that solutions are not only affordable and accessible but also sustainable and equitable. A broader approach to energy access will be discussed, emphasising its critical role in powering livelihoods, boosting productivity, and catalysing economic development (World Bank, 2019). This session aims to identify actionable solutions for delivering affordable, accessible, and sustainable energy for Africa. The ultimate goal is to galvanise commitments and collaborative efforts that prioritise both the immediate and long-term energy needs of the continent while advancing its economic and social development in a sustainable manner. The availability of affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy is essential for Africa's economic growth and attainment of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).