First sustainable energy for all forum in Africa commences in Kigali, Rwanda

The forum is being attended by representatives from the United Nations, government officials, civil society organisations, scientists, researchers, and young environmental activists until May 19.

Sustainable energy for all forum in session

RWANDA: Rwandan President Paul Kagame said switching to clean and sustainable energy is critical in Africa and around the world, and there is a need to increase climate financing to developing countries to help with adaptation.

President Kagame made the remarks during the inaugural Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) conference, which is currently taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, and has drawn scholars from around the world to discuss affordable, clean, and sustainable energy transition.

“This can be accomplished through the use of off-grid technologies and stand-alone systems to empower communities, industrial policies for sustainable energy and support the growth of commercial technologies,” Kagame said.

Damilola Ogunbiyi, Special Representative of the United Nations-Secretary General and CEO of SEforALL, expresses gratitude for hosting Africa's first sustainable Energy for ALL conference.

“As one of the goals on climate change, net-zero by 2050 must be achieved and we must act now to save our planet from climate change, we need clean energy support through building energy systems that will support economic growth,” said Damilola.

The forum calls for an affordable, clean, and sustainable Just Energy Transition for Africa and other countries around the world. According to statistics, 800 million people in Africa lack access to electricity, and 2.5 billion rely on dirty energy.

The forum is being attended by representatives from the United Nations, government officials, civil society organisations, scientists, researchers, and young environmental activists until May 19.

SDG 7 calls for access to sustainable energy for all by 2030, and the (SEforALL) forum is a landmark global gathering that brings people together to take stock of progress, showcase success, and identify solutions to achieve faster, broader gains toward sustainable energy for all.

Over 2000 delegates are attending the forum in Kigali, Rwanda, both physically and virtually.