By Duncan Mboyah
Energy experts have urged countries to explore the possibility of using sustainable energy to drive global economic growth, climate resilience, and prosperity.
The experts meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, said that countries need to strive to bridge divides and reduce polarization between energy sector leaders and development practitioners through the involvement of representatives from the public and private sectors for the benefit of electricity consumers.
Dr. Sheila Obim, Executive Director of the Alliance for Sciences said that energy should not be left out of global discussions such as climate change discussions since it is necessary in climate actions, health and the environment.
“We need to foster dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders from government, industry, development, and civil society to bridge divides in the energy sector for the benefit of populations,” Dr. Obim said during the one-day energy nexus leaders meeting.
Dr. Obim observed that the inclusion of the private sector is needed to help access power, clean energy and ecosystem conservation.
The experts noted that it is unfortunate that the global south has the biggest sources of energy yet there is no access to electricity for use by the majority of populations.
They however commended countries for putting in place energy-related policies but urged them to ensure that populations without electricity receive the commodity.
They called for increased investment in clean energy solutions tailored to the Global South that has been lagging in electricity availability.
They added that innovative policy and regulatory mechanisms are required to implement and enhance private sector participation and investment in achieving the energy 300 mission in the African continent.
They noted that based on government experiences in addressing complex and multifaceted challenges, pitfalls should be avoided through the development of effective policies and regulations that attract private investment in Africa’s energy sector.
They recommended the establishment of mechanisms to enhance data availability and strengthen African universities’ research contributions to support the development, and financing for energy start-ups, enabling cost-efficient and affordable energy solutions.
They deliberated upon innovative investment and financing models that can effectively support energy access initiatives targeting bottom-of-the-pyramid populations in Africa, ensuring long-term sustainability and inclusive economic growth.
The Energy Nexus leaders, a high-level gathering of leaders in energy, climate, development, and health pledged to explore sustainable energy’s role in driving economic growth, climate resilience, and prosperity.
