AU conference positions energy efficiency as Africa’s ‘first fuel’

29 12 2025 | 09:55 ESI Africa

The inaugural African Energy Efficiency Conference (AfEEC) marked a milestone in continental efforts to scale energy efficiency as a core development and energy security strategy

Energy efficiency took centre stage in Africa’s energy transition agenda following the inaugural African Energy Efficiency Conference (AfEEC), hosted by the African Union (AU) through the African Energy Commission (AFREC) in Addis Ababa recently.

Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, announced the formation of the African Energy Efficiency Facility (AEEF) during the opening of the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group side event

Held under the framework of the African Energy Efficiency Alliance (AfEEA) from 10-11 December, the conference brought together at least 400 policymakers, regulators, private sector leaders, experts and development partners, following two days of specialised training sessions on 8-9 December.

Push to scale energy efficiency across Africa

The gathering marked a milestone in continental efforts to scale energy efficiency as a core development and energy security strategy.

Addressing the conference, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said energy efficiency is now recognised as a strategic pillar for Africa’s development, industrialisation and regional integration.

He cited continental targets to improve energy productivity by 12% by 2030 and 50% by 2050, as set out in the African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan adopted by AU Heads of State and Government in 2025.

“Every kilowatt-hour wasted is a school not electrified, a vaccine not safely stored, a business not powered, or a job not created. Energy efficiency is an economic shield, an environmental safeguard and a strategic pathway to securing Africa’s energy future,” said Youssouf.

Meeting rising energy demands on the continent

In his keynote address, Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Adam Farah, said Africa must rethink how energy is produced, distributed and consumed to achieve energy sovereignty.

He added that regional power interconnections are essential to improve grid stability, reduce costs and unlock cross-border electricity trade, noting Ethiopia’s upcoming role as host of COP32.

AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Lerato D Mataboge described energy efficiency as “Africa’s first fuel”, highlighting its ability to deliver immediate and affordable benefits amid rapidly rising demand and widespread energy poverty.

“Energy efficiency represents the fastest and most affordable tool at our disposal to expand access, stabilise power systems, and unlock sustainable growth in Africa,” Mataboge said, pointing to opportunities across power systems, transport, industry, buildings, agriculture and appliances.

She also welcomed the operationalisation of the African Energy Efficiency Alliance, launched at COP29, as a platform to support policy advocacy, research, investment and implementation of efficiency programmes across the continent.

Mechanism presented to advance energy efficiency

Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe Balami, said energy efficiency is central to Africa’s economic integration and renewable energy transition, citing Ethiopia’s large-scale hydropower projects and regional interconnections as part of a climate-resilient approach.

The conference featured a high-level ministerial panel with representatives from South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Togo, Liberia, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea and Seychelles, who shared national experiences and priorities for scaling energy efficiency.

The African Energy Efficiency Facility was presented as a mechanism to mobilise finance, harmonise policies and strengthen implementation capacity.

Delegates also witnessed the launch of the African Energy Transition Strategy and Action Plan, which sets out a continental roadmap focused on clean cooking, cross-border energy trade, energy efficiency, innovation and capacity development.

The AfEEC concluded with a communiqué reaffirming collective commitments to advance energy efficiency across electricity, industry, buildings, transport, agriculture and household appliances, and to meet Africa’s targets to raise energy productivity by 50% by 2050 and 70% by 2063.