Accra, Ghana – The European University Institute, in collaboration with the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), and the African School of Regulation, is proud to announce a high-level conference titled "Climate finance for sustainable energy transition in Africa." The event will take place on 5 July at the ISSER conference centre in Accra.
Distinguished guests and participants, including representatives from the Government of Ghana, the African Union, the European Union, multilateral organisations, financial institutions, academic institutions, energy companies, and regulators, will explore the pivotal role of national and international stakeholders in accelerating the transition towards a sustainable energy sector in West Africa, with a special focus on climate finance.
The conference will feature prominent speakers, including Honourable Dr Amin Adams (Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance of Ghana), Dr. Robert Bright Mawuko Sogbadji (Director Renewables, Ministry of Energy of Ghana), Professor Renaud Dehousse (President of the European University Institute), and other esteemed experts from the fields of energy, sustainability and climate action.
The discussions will revolve around vital topics such as climate finance, sustainable energy solutions, and the critical actions needed to drive the transition towards a greener and more prosperous future for Africa. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, exchange knowledge and best practices, and foster collaboration on sustainable energy transitions.
Morning sessions will zoom in on a vision for the sustainable energy transition in Africa and how to finance it. In the afternoon, young leaders take the stage to discuss how the next generation contributes to a more sustainable future. The full conference programme is available here.
The pressing need for a sustainable energy transition in Africa cannot be overstated. Despite being home to one-sixth of the global population, Africa accounts for less than six percent of global energy consumption and only two percent of cumulative global emissions. Furthermore, Africa receives less than two percent of all investments in renewable energy worldwide. Conference participants will discuss how projects in support of Africa’s green transition can attract adequate financing to unlock the potential of African countries in transitioning to a net-zero future.
In addition to the high-level conference, an exclusive two-day executive training programme on financing sustainable energy transitions in Africa will be held on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 July. This programme aims to empower mid-career and senior professionals working in finance and sustainable energy in Ghana and other West African countries. Expert trainers from Africa and Europe will provide valuable insights, strategies, and tools to enable participants to drive sustainable energy projects and attract adequate financing for the region's green transition. Both the conference and the training are supported by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships.
Professor Kenneth Amaeshi of the EUI School of Transnational Governance is the coordinator of the high-level conference and training: “Africa is home to one-sixth of the global population, but it accounts for less than 6% of global energy consumption and 2% of cumulative global emissions. While Africa suffers the worst impacts of climate change, it receives less than two percent of all investments in renewable energy worldwide. Africa’s green transition requires more bankable projects which can attract adequate financing to unlock the potential of African countries in transitioning to a net zero future.”
Professor Renaud Dehousse, President of the European University Institute, leads the institute’s mission to Ghana: “Financing a sustainable energy transition is vital for African economic and social development. The European University Institute seeks to learn and advance collaboration with its partners on the African continent to support global action on clean energy and energy security through joint research and teaching opportunities. I look forward to discussing how the Institute can contribute to the opportunities and challenges its African partners are taking on.”
Mr. Mamadou Biteye, Executive Secretary of the African Capacity Building Foundation: “About 600 million Africans and medium and small enterprises (MSMEs) in rural areas do not have reliable access to electricity because national grids are unable to supply the required quantity, quality, and affordable energy. The ability of MSMEs to be more productive and efficient requires Africa’s green transition to include building the capacity of states for energy sector reform and regulation, and the institutional capacity of MSMEs to offer off-grid and mini-grid energy solutions.”
Professor Peter Quartey is Director of the conference host, the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana: “ISSER understands the important role of partnerships and knowledge sharing in advancing the shared quest to find sustainable solutions to society’s problems. We are delighted to host this international climate conference and look forward to working with the partner institutes to assure a productive and enjoyable meeting experience for participants.”
Professor Ignacio Pérez-Arriaga, Interim Director of the African School of Regulation (ASR): “The massive investments needed to make strong progress in Africa's clean energy transition will only be possible if supported by sound policy and regulatory frameworks that enable sustainable and scalable business models. The viability of these business models may also require radical changes in the scale and design of the financial instruments available to projects on the African continent.”
Ms Stephanie Schandorf, Associate Director, Gulf of Guinea Maritime Institute and alumna of the Young African Leaders Programme at the EUI School of Transnational Governance, will moderate a session dedicated to the role of the youth: “At the heart of Africa’s sustainable energy transition is the need to be effective stewards of our resources - both at sea and on land - for future generations. In a dedicated panel session, we hear from young leaders and actors of change in West Africa on reflections and actions on sustainability.”
About the organisers
The European University Institute is well placed to contribute to the conversation on climate finance for a sustainable energy transition. Professor Kenneth Amaeshi leads the EUI School of Transnational Governance’s work on sustainable finance and governance. Amaeshi is also member of the European Commission’s High-Level Expert Group on scaling up sustainable finance in low- and middle-income countries. The School’s climate team, including the EIB Climate Chair, is a European and global hub of excellence in knowledge-exchange, research and education on climate change policies and governance. The EUI Florence School of Regulation has decades of experience in the field of energy and is a key actor in the establishment of the new African School of Regulation.
Through the Young African Leaders Programme (YALP), the EUI School of Transnational Governance also trains young African leaders to meet the continent’s increasing energy demand and to achieve the goal of universal energy access. The school has strong ties with the growing and highly influential cohort of YALP alumni. The programme is financed by the European Commission, which supports the event and training in Accra. www.eui.eu
The EUI partners with the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), the African Union's specialised agency for capacity development, the University of Ghana's Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) and the African School of Regulation to organise the event and training.
The Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER), a semi-autonomous institute within the College of Humanities at the University of Ghana, is among the leading quantitative empirical academic social science research institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 1962, ISSER currently boasts over 25 faculty members with PhDs across social science disciplines, visiting scholars and a host of local and international collaborators. isser.ug.edu.gh
The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) For more than 30 years, The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) has been building human capital and institutional capacity for Africa’s sustainable development. Since its creation in 1991, ACBF has trained over 50,000 personnel in civil service, most of whom hold key positions in Ministries of Finance, Planning or Economic Development and Central Banks across the continent. The Foundation has established a network of over 50 think tanks supporting evidence-based policymaking across Africa and conducted numerous policy research/analyses, which have been critical in informing economic management and establishing benchmarks for success. www.acbf-pact.org
Logistics & registration
High-Level Conference "Climate finance for sustainable energy transition in Africa"
Wednesday 5 July, 08:30 – 16:00 GMT
ISSER Conference Hall
E. N. Omaboe Building Complex,
University of Ghana, Legon
Accra
Media contacts
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Roeland Scholtalbers, European University Institute, roeland.scholtalbers@eui.eu, 0039 3516441013
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Tsitsi Chakonza, African Capacity Building Foundation, t.chakonza@acbf-pact.org, 00263777879339
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Vicentia Quartey, ISSER, University of Ghana, vquartey@ug.edu.gh, 00233244766492
