NDF presents its experiences in renewable energy in Africa

The aim of the seminar was to present and discuss experiences and new opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa with a view to stimulating enhanced interest, exchanging ideas, forging connections and alliances, and working constructively towards increasing investments in sustainable energy activities. At present it is recognised that there is a need for increased investment, especially from the private-sector, in sustainable energy supply in Sub-Saharan Africa.

NDF’s Managing Director Pasi Hellman presented how sustainable energy is stimulated through NDF support to, inter alia, the Geothermal Exploration project in East African countries. Also the Nordic Climate Facility, financed by NDF, demonstrates different types of private sector involvements in sustainable energy in Africa. Seminar audience was also informed about examples of NDF’s sustainable energy sector operations in other regions, with replication potential in Africa.

The seminar saw the European launch of African Renewable Energy Fund (AREF) with the Danish Minister for Trade and Development Cooperation and other high-level representatives. AREF will have a capital of USD 200 million and the main funders are African Development Bank (AfDB) and Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA).

The seminar Opportunity Africa: Sustainable Energy Investments in Africa – Engaging the Private Sector was arranged by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the African Development Bank, and facilitated by the UNEP Risø Centre, in Copenhagen on 24-25 June.