Africa Energy Forum 2023 - Post Forum Report updated by EnergyNet

Forum Sponsor

aef. In one place. Country Host

Stakeholders. In one place.

KenGen

POST-FORUM REPORT

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aef. In one place. Thank you to our Sponsors and Partners Forum Sponsor

Country Host

Exhibition Sponsor

KenGen Global Partners

Africa IPP Partner

Lead Sponsors

Synergy Consulting

aef 2023 in Kenya: Energizing Africa’s Future. As sponsors of the Africa Energy Forum, we’re proud to have been part of an event that sparks dialogue, ignites innovation, and propels sustainable energy solutions. The connections made and ideas exchanged during aef 2023 are pushing us all towards a brighter, greener and more empowered energy future for Africa. Adam Cortese CEO, Sun Africa

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aef. In one place. Africa Energy Forum 25th Anniversary In June 2023 Nairobi welcomed over 3,500 investors, stakeholders, and the future energy leaders from Africa and across the world at the 25th Africa Energy Forum (aef) and its co-located event, Youth Energy Summit (YES!). This was the first time the forum has been held on mainland Africa. aef 2023 was opened by His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces – a tribute to the importance of the event for both Africa and the sector. The forum was held under the Patronage of Cabinet Secretary Hon. Davis Chirchir, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Republic of Kenya. The forum covered a number of strategic areas, including energy for mining, connectivity, the just transition, and Africa’s potential as a global hydrogen powerhouse. It brought together 300+ speakers and over 2,300 participants to discuss projects and partnerships and promote business development. In 1998, Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) became the first public utility to confirm its attendance at the inaugural aef. A quarter of a century later, the leading electricity generator in East Africa and a significant global player in geothermal development took the lead again, this time as Country Host for aef 2023 in Kenya. During the four-day conference, stakeholders and delegates connected, collaborated and put plans in action to drive the continent’s energy agenda forward. Power Africa celebrated its 10-year anniversary and Samantha Power, USAID Administrator, announced new funding for the continent. ENGIE heralded its purchase of BTE Renewables, and MOUs were signed between Power Africa, AfDB, ATIDI and more. For the second year running, the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) ran alongside aef. With over 1,100+ attendees from 26 countries, YES! aims to boost the skills, development and business readiness of future energy leaders. The launch of the Beyond Privilege digital platform takes this further, with access to online learning and networking planned for thousands more across the continent. Thank you to all of our sponsors, speakers, partners and participants. As the conversations continue and new partnerships flourish, we look forward to welcoming you to Barcelona in 2024, for the 26th annual Africa Energy Forum. aef team

The Africa Energy Forum represents the convergence of multiple actors in the fight against energy poverty in the African continent. Giza Martins Regional Director, Southern Africa, Sun Africa

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. Attendee Breakdown

2,391 ATTENDEES

932

C-SUITES/ DIRECTORS

330 SPEAKERS

167

MINISTERS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

COUNTRIES

Attendance from

75 countries

Top 10 countries Kenya..................................... 33% South Africa........................... 16% United Kingdom.................... 10% United States........................... 6% United Arab Emirates.............. 4% France...................................... 4% Nigeria..................................... 3% Netherlands............................. 2% Zambia..................................... 1% Mauritius.................................. 1%

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Algeria Angola Australia Austria Belgium Bermuda Botswana Brazil Burundi Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Central African Republic China Comoros Congo - Kinshasa Côte d’Ivoire Denmark Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eswatini Ethiopia Finland France Gabon Gambia Germany Ghana Greece Guinea India Ireland Italy Japan Jordan Kenya Lebanon Lesotho

Libya Luxembourg Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Monaco Morocco Mozambique Namibia Netherlands Niger Nigeria Norway Portugal Qatar Rwanda Saudi Arabia Senegal Singapore Somalia South Africa South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Sweden Switzerland Tanzania Togo Tunisia Turkey Uganda United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Zambia Zimbabwe

aef. In one place. Attendee Breakdown Attendee Breakdown by Job Role

$3.7 million

was the final cost of hosting aef in Nairobi, with 85% invested in local Kenyan services

31%

25%

15%

Manager

Director

HoD / Partner

14%

C-Suite

Associate

Early Career Professional

Benefits to the local economy $12 – $13 million

was injected into the Kenyan economy from hosting aef in the country

Around 2,000 international flights

Attendance by Industry Sector Financial Institutions............................................. 21% Professional Services............................................ 21% Developers........................................................... 16% State Owned Enterprises (SOE, Utility, etc)............ 8% Ministry................................................................... 7% Technology Provider............................................... 7% Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC)...... 6% Oil and Gas............................................................. 4% Press / Media.......................................................... 3% Associations / NGO / Research.............................. 3% SME / Entrepreneurs............................................... 2% Regulators............................................................... 1% Large-Scale Energy Users....................................... 1%

Major infrastructure and critical services such as marquees and generators

Significant labour manpower (over 200 carpenters, construction workers and painters)

Top 5 Job Functions

Local transportation services

Tourism, hosted functions and hotel accommodation

90% of YES! participants were Kenyan entrepreneurs, early career professionals and students 6

Business Development......... 18% Energy / Utilities................... 17% Finance................................. 16% General Management........... 12% Legal..................................... 10%

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. Networking App Highlights

4,405

864

CONNECTIONS MADE

80%

12,078 MESSAGES EXCHANGED

MEETINGS REQUESTED

ADOPTION AMONG SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS

Thanks to our aef & YES! Networking App Sponsor

Once again aef has proven to be an invaluable forum. It provides an excellent opportunity to gain an energy market overview and effectively promote your brand since it brings together all stakeholders in one place. Estevao Mussuei General Manager, Kuvaninga Energia

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. 2023 Highlights Opening Remarks from His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya His Excellency Dr William S. Ruto, President of Kenya, officially opened aef 2023. He emphasized that humanity faces a defining moment in history, with the unprecedented existential crisis of climate change tied closely to our relationship with energy. President Ruto pointed out that Africa, with only 16.7% of the world’s population, has historically contributed the least to climate change but bears its disproportionate effects. Many people across Africa still need access to sustainable energy – 600 million people are without electricity and 900 million lack clean cooking energy. At the same time, Africa has the clean, green and renewable energy resources and essential minerals needed for the global energy transition. The President highlighted Africa’s active role and consistent commitment to global climate action efforts, which has positioned it as the clean, green continent of the future. He pointed out that Kenya’s own early and bold investment in renewable energy has paid off, with renewable sources now accounting for 73% of the country’s electricity generation capacity; and emphasized Kenya’s dedication to the Africa Energy Forum’s agenda, believing that socioeconomic transformation and climate action can go hand in hand. President Ruto closed by saying, “The purpose of this forum is to share this secret, which is hidden in plain sight, with a broader global audience of investors and innovators: the future is powered by African energy”. “This is why Kenya is honoured to host the 25th Africa Energy Forum, and why I am delighted to have this opportunity to engage with you this morning.”

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. 2023 Highlights Lifetime Achievement Awards Over the past 25 years EnergyNet, has awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award only once, to Eddy Njoroge, the former MD/CEO of KenGen, for transforming the utility into a successful powerhouse. This year, at the 25th aef, Andrew Herscowitz and Kweku Awotwi were both recognized for their remarkable leadership and impact on the sector. Andrew Herscowitz has served in key U.S. government roles for over 30 years. He was the first Coordinator of Power Africa, spearheading a $100 billion network of partners to support electrification across the continent, creating over 10 million new energy connections. Kweku Awotwi is one of the true titans in Africa’s energy, industry, and finance sectors. Across a 30-year career, he has held influential positions in companies such as UBA Bank Ghana, Tullow Oil, Volta River Authority and more, making significant contributions to Africa’s industrial and energy landscape. Simon Gosling, MD of EnergyNet, praised their impact, stating, “Leaders such as Mr Awotwi are rare, and his commitment to responsible business leadership and youth Andrew Herscowitz and Kweku Awotwi receiving a engagement is truly special. We’re honoured to recognize “Lifetime Achievement Awards” at aef in Nairobi. the remarkable careers and achievements of both.”

Thank you for the unexpected but greatly appreciated Lifetime Award. My connection with all of you and aef has been truly enjoyable. Your valuable service and opportunities for the African energy sector are commendable. Based on yesterday’s events, your influence will undoubtedly expand, even with increased effort. I’m grateful for your recognition and hopeful for aef’s continued impactful journey. Kweku Awotwi Board Chairman, United Bank for Africa (Ghana) & Co-Founder & Director Cenpower Generation Company, Ghana

Throughout my U.S. Government career, I focused on improving things, fixing what needed change, and building talented teams for efficient results. Sometimes, we may have ruffled a few feathers, but our ultimate goal was to improve lives in developing countries. We sought working solutions, acknowledged mistakes, and shared our learnings. Andrew Herscowitz Chief Development Officer at U.S. International Development Finance Corporation

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. 2023 Highlights USAID Administrator Samantha Power announces $89 million investment for East and Central Africa at aef USAID Administrator Samantha Power reinforced the United State’s longstanding commitment to both countries during her visit to Kenya and Tanzania. She attended the Africa Energy Forum to mark the 10-year anniversary of Power Africa, a U.S. government-led partnership aimed at ending energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, and announced a new, $89 million investment in clean energy for East and Central Africa. Lucy Mutuku, Founder and CEO of the National Youth Caucus Kenya, joined Samantha Power at the commemorative event. Talking about youth in her speech, Samantha Power said, “Inspiration comes to us from you, so thank you, Lucy, and thanks to all those of your generation who are taking on these challenges,” before celebrating a decade of progress and impact in the realm of Power Africa’s initiatives. Lucy Mutuku is an accomplished youth advocate, recognized for her regional and national contributions to promoting youth economic empowerment. She spearheads a leading youth-led organization that has earned renown within Kenya and is steadily extending its influence to other countries across the continent.

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. 2023 Highlights USAID Power Africa and Partners Sign MOUs for Clean-Energy Access at aef David Thompson, Acting Coordinator, USAID Power Africa and Manuel Moses, Chief Executive Officer, African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during aef in Nairobi. As well as this, there were new signings between between Power Africa and Africa50, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and the renewal of the Regional Development Objective Grant with AfDB. These MOUs align with President Kamala Harris’s call, in March 2023, for private sector support to assist the continent in achieving climate adaptation, clean-energy access and a just energy transition.

Power Africa and ATIDI’s MOU: Advancing Green Energy Transition in Sub Saharan Africa The MOU between Power Africa and ATIDI re-establishes a basis for ongoing cooperation in support of facilitating power sector transactions, providing capacity building and technical assistance to stakeholders, and identifying opportunities to collaborate in support of the regional liquidity support facility (RLSF) and Africa Energy Guarantee Facility (AEGF). RLSF is a project supported by the KfW Development Bank and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), that was created to help tackle climate change by supporting renewable energy projects in ATIDI’s member countries. AEGF is another ATIDI project, in conjunction with the EIB and Munich Rey, set to leverage an additional USD 1.4 billion of risk mitigation capacity for clean energy investments in Africa. ATIDI and Power Africa share a long-standing commitment to boosting a just and green energy transition, reducing energy poverty, and increasing access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all in sub-Saharan Africa.

The renewal of our existing MoU with Power Africa has come at a good time as we transition to a new brand and name, the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), with a renewed commitment to Re-thinking Risk and Enabling Finance. With Power Africa celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, the signing of this MoU, comes as we mark 5 years since the Regional Liquidity Support Facility (RLSF), which remains our flagship product in the power and renewables sector, was launched. Going forward as ATIDI (ah-tee-dee), we expect to not only expand this instrument further, but to develop similarly impactful products and initiatives, working alongside various partners such as Power Africa and other DFIs, as we look to continue playing a leading role in enabling the financing of key infrastructure across the African continent. Obbie Banda Underwriter & Acting RLSF Coordinator, African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI)

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. 2023 Highlights RMI and Power Africa Forge New Partnership for Renewable Energy in Africa The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and Power Africa have joined forces through a new partnership to enhance locally-led distributed renewable energy projects in Africa. RMI’s crucial role involves de-risking projects, supporting cost reductions, and facilitating access to finance for renewable energy entrepreneurs and financial institutions within Power Africa’s network. The institute’s expertise in capacity building, problem-solving, and program support, has a proven track record of promoting renewable energy deployment and empowering women in the sub-Saharan African energy sector. It makes them a valuable Power Africa’s 21st development partner. This partnership signifies a significant advancement in fostering sustainable energy solutions across Africa. By combining Power Africa’s extensive network and USAID’s resources with RMI’s expertise and initiatives, the collaboration aims to encourage local leadership and pave the way for a cleaner, more accessible, and affordable energy solutions continent-wide. The alliance promises to propel Africa towards a brighter and greener energy future.

When President Obama launched Power Africa in 2013, he had a simple yet audacious idea – build a partnership between the U.S. government and public and private partners to end energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. Ten years later, through the power of partnership, Power Africa is making a difference. Working with over 200 partners, Power Africa has helped connect over 180 million people living and working in Sub-Saharan Africa with new or improved cleaner reliable energy, boosting incomes, powering business, and strengthening communities. aef provides an important platform to meet our partners and strengthen our coordination and commitment to Africa’s clean energy future. David Thompson Acting Coordinator, USAID Power Africa

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. 2023 Highlights African Development Bank Regional Development Objective Grant Renewal: Power Africa’s Extended Commitment to Clean Energy Access The RDOAG addendum between Power Africa and AfDB extends their partnership by five years, re-establishing mutual goals for accelerating universal access to cleaner energy in Africa. It also aims to strengthen regional integration and sustainable economic development under the Power Africa Strategic Framework, the AfDB’s New Deal on Energy for Africa, and Sustainable Development Goal 7. The addendum raises USAID’s potential contribution to USD 1 billion by the end of the RDOAG lifecycle, with USD 388 million already provided for joint programming. This demonstrates their commitment to investing in clean energy solutions and sustainable development across Africa. The overarching objective of this partnership extension is to ensure affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all Africans. By combining efforts, Power Africa and AfDB strive to drive meaningful progress in Africa’s energy sector, positively impacting communities and fostering economic growth. Their collective commitment also contributes significantly to broader global goals of sustainable energy access and climate action.

Africa50 and Power Africa MOU: Advancing Green Infrastructure Development in Africa Africa50 was established by African governments and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to help bridge Africa’s infrastructure funding gap by facilitating project development, mobilizing public and private sector finance, and investing in infrastructure on the continent. The MOU between Power Africa and Africa50 includes an ambitious goal of attracting power sector financing for 1,000KM transmission line development through innovative investment platforms, and emphasizes collaboration on Africa50’s recently launched Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA) to catalyse green and climate resilient infrastructure through a combination of technical assistance and grants dissemination.

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. 2023 Highlights ENGIE and Meridiam acquire BTE Renewables ENGIE and Meridiam are acquiring BTE Renewables, a leading renewable energy company in South Africa and Kenya. The deal includes the transfer of assets to Meridiam in Kenya. ENGIE will gain 340 MW of renewable operating assets and a portfolio of over 3 GW development projects, strengthening its presence in South Africa. Meridiam will acquire the Kipeto Wind Farm and a greenfield wind project in Kenya. The transaction is expected to be completed by Q4 2023, expanding ENGIE’s global reach and doubling Meridiam’s renewable capacity in Africa.

Gridworks Development Report Launch Gridworks aims to support economic and social development by improving access to reliable electricity and has made notable achievements, including pioneering privately financed transmission projects and developing greenfield utilities like Moyi Power in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The new Gridworks Development Report marks four year of investing in transmission, distribution and distributed renewables in Africa. The report demonstrates how Gridworks is shaping the energy market in Africa, the lessons learned in that time and the part it is playing to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

We were delighted to launch our new Gridworks Development Report at aef this year. This is our first major publication since Gridworks was established in 2019 and explains how we’re building electricity networks in Africa that provide reliable, affordable and clean power. The lack of funding for electricity networks is a major bottleneck to economic and social development across Africa. Gridworks is working to change that. Our new report sets out the impact we are already making and the ambition we have to do more. Simon Hodson CEO, Gridworks

www.africa-energy-forum.com

Summit Sponsor

5-6 MARCH 2024 • WASHINGTON DC

CAPITAL FLOWS UNDERPINNING THE ENERGY TRANSITION

Summit Sponsor

Country Sponsor

If you are interested in sponsoring, exhibiting or speaking, please get in touch with us.

Damon Thompson

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aef. In one place. Agenda at a Glance STREAM 1 PANEL DISCUSSION

STREAM 2 INTERACTIVE BOARDROOM Chatham House Rule

STREAM 3 INTERACTIVE BOARDROOM Chatham House Rule

STREAM 5 INTERACTIVE HOSTED BOARDROOM

STREAM 4 INTERACTIVE BOARDROOM Chatham House Rule

Opening Day

Capital Flows & Risk Mitigation

Country Spotlights – Building Better Partnerships

Hydrogen – Africa’s Opportunity

Increasing Pace & Scale of Africa’s Renewable Energy Projects

In partnership with

Africa’s Gas

Continental Trading

Mining, Critical Minerals & Energy

Closed Door Roundtables

Knowledge Sharing from Africa’s Leading Solution Providers

Distributed Power & Commercial & Industrial Power

Day 1 – Tuesday 20 June EnergyNet Welcome Remarks President’s Opening Address aef & YES! Welcome Networking Brunch Ministers’ Welcome Networking Brunch aef Opening Ceremony

YES! Opening Ceremony

aef Forum Sponsor Welcome Remarks Country Host Welcome Remarks

KenGen

Country Spotlight: Republic of Kenya aef 2023: Ministerial Roundtable: The Just Energy Transition - How Far Can Africa Really Go? Africa in One Place – Celebrating 25 Years of aef - Welcome Networking Reception Hosted by

Day 2 – Wednesday 21 June Closed-Door: DFI Roundtable Series - Meeting 6: Should DFIs Be Bolder With Their Investments? STREAM 1

STREAM 2

STREAM 3

STREAM 4

Country Spotlight:

Financing an African ‘Transition’

The Growing Role of Africa’s Gas Within Today’s Geopolitical Context

Breaking Down Barriers for Energy Transition in Mining

LNG – Africa’s Opportunity

Energy Capacity Needs for Africa’s Booming Mineral Mining Sector

Arab Republic of Egypt Country Spotlight: Federal Republic of Nigeria Country Spotlight: United Republic of Tanzania

Africa’s Solar Future

STREAM 5 Hosted by: Powering Potential: How will the Public and Private Sectors Together Chart a Course Toward Universal Energy Access?

Hosted by: Charting a Course for Equitable Energy Transitions

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. Agenda at a Glance Day 2 – Wednesday 21 June (continued) STREAM 1

STREAM 2

STREAM 3

STREAM 4

Country Spotlight:

Project Preparation to Accelerate Wind Energy

Balancing Gas in Africa’s Energy Transition

Financing Structures to Support Mining Decarbonisation

Republic of South Africa Country Spotlight: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Country Spotlight: Republic of Mozambique

Tackling Intermittency Issues in Africa Through Renewables

Gas – Filling the Funding Gap

Energy Projects – Benefitting Local Communities from Conception to Post-Mine Life

Country Spotlight:

STREAM 5 Hosted by: Off-Taker Credit Enhancement: How Political Risk Insurance and Liquidity Instruments are Enabling the Financing of Power Projects in Africa Hosted by: Impact Investment Strategies & Insights for an African Just Energy Transition

Republic of Zambia

Day 3 – Thursday 22 June STREAM 1

STREAM 2

STREAM 3

STREAM 4

Country Spotlight:

Developing Hydropower in Changing Climate Conditions

Macroeconomics, Debt & Inflation – Managing the Risks

Hydrogen for Africa

Maximising Grid Capacity: Integrating Solar, Wind & Storage

Can DFIs, Insurers & IPPs Work Together to fill the Government Guarantee Gap?

Hydrogen for Export

Republic of Uganda

STREAM 5 Hosted by: Hydropower Modernisation to Accelerate Africa’s Energy Transition

Country Spotlight: Republic of Senegal Country Spotlight: Democratic Republic of the Congo Country Spotlight: Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe

Hosted by: South Africa’s IPP Procurement Programme – A Key Enabler Behind a Growing Private Sector Generation Footprint

EIH is happy to have taken part in the Africa Energy Forum. It gave us the opportunity to network with potential partners and learn about the experience of other countries. Meleket Sahlu Deputy CEO, Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), Ethiopia

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. Agenda at a Glance Day 3 – Thursday 22 June (continued) STREAM 1

STREAM 2

STREAM 3

STREAM 4

Country Spotlight:

Procurement Strategies & Renewable Energy Auctions

Private Sector Financing of Domestic & Regional Transmission

Project Preparation & Bankability

Navigating the Carbon Markets

Diversifying Off-Taker Risk

Hydrogen for Industry

Kingdom of Morocco

STREAM 5 Hosted by: Africa’s Green Transition. Where will the Power come from?

Country Spotlight: Republic of Ghana Country Spotlight: Republic of Zimbabwe

Hosted by: Viability of PPPs in Regional Transmission Projects

aef 2024 Handover Ceremony – Kenya to Egypt

Day 4 – Friday 23 June Closed-Door: Africa Regulators Roundtable Series – Meeting 6: Predictability, Tariff Setting and Licensing Framework Closed-Door: Africa Utilities Roundtable Series – Meeting 6: The C-Suite- Perspectives of our Challenges STREAM 1

STREAM 2

STREAM 3

Country Spotlight:

Building Regional Power Markets: Electricity Trade Between Countries

The Growing Role of Distributed Power

Mobilising Africa’s Institutional Investors

Growing Needs for Commercial & Industrial Power

Republic of Malawi

Country Spotlight: Republic of The Gambia

STREAM 5 Hosted by: Knowledge Sharing – Africa Leading as a Solution Provider

Hosted by: Regulating the African Power Sector in a Rapidly Changing Environment with Emerging Technologies

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. 2023 Session Highlights

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Tuesday 20 June – Country Spotlight: Republic of Kenya Day One saw the first of aef 2023’s Country Spotlight sessions take place – focusing on our host nation, the Republic of Kenya. The session was delivered by Alex Wachira, Principal Secretary, State Department for Energy, Ministry of Energy & Petroleum, who outlined the significant opportunities and challenges shaping Kenya’s energy landscape. Alex Wachira highlighted Kenya’s progress in connecting households to the grid and developing clean energy, emphasizing the importance of reducing dependence on fossil fuels for sustainable development. Kenya possesses abundant renewable energy resources and steadily increases its installed capacity by around 5% annually. The session also addressed sustainable energy targets, including achieving 100% renewable energy generation, universal access to clean cooking fuel, and improving electricity access. The discussion panel, chaired by Khilna Dodhia, included representatives from various government and private energy sector stakeholders. Key topics included expanding clean cooking initiatives, the role of the private sector, the development of public-private partnership projects, and efforts to reduce electricity costs for Kenyan citizens and businesses.

Host: Khilna Dodhia, CEO & Co-Founder, Kenergy Renewables Ministerial Keynote Speech: Honourable Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary for Energy & Petroleum, Republic of Kenya Speakers: • Alex Wachira, Principal Secretary, State Department for Energy, Ministry of Energy & Petroleum, Republic of Kenya • Isaac Kiva, Secretary, Renewable Energy Directorate, State Department for Energy, Ministry of Energy & Petroleum, Republic of Kenya • John Mativo, MD/CEO, KETRACO, Republic of Kenya • Joseph Siror, MD & CEO, Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC), Republic of Kenya • Paul Ngugi, MD & CEO, Geothermal Development Company (GDC), Republic of Kenya • Abraham Serem, Acting MD & CEO, KenGen, Republic of Kenya • John Mutua, Director Economic Regulation, Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Republic of Kenya • Collins Juma, CEO, Nuclear Power & Energy Agency (NuPEA), Republic of Kenya • Joe Sang, MD, Kenya Pipeline Company, Republic of Kenya • Rose Mkalama, General Manager, Information, Education & Communication, Rural Electrification & Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), Republic of Kenya

We, as the KenGen family, take immense pride in having hosted the 2023 Africa Energy Forum in Nairobi, a resounding triumph. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to EnergyNet and all our esteemed sector partners for their invaluable contributions to the success of the inaugural aef in Africa. The forum provided us with invaluable insights, reaffirming Africa’s readiness to lead the vital transition towards green energy. Abraham Serem, Ag. Managing Director and CEO, KenGen

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. 2023 Session Highlights

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Wednesday 21 June – Country Spotlight: United Republic of Tanzania Moderator: Eyob Easwaran, Senior Advisor, Lending Operations, TDB Speaker: • Felchesmi Mramba, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy, United Republic of Tanzania

Felchesmi Mramba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, highlighted Tanzania’s potential and investment opportunities in the country’s spotlight session. With a population of 61 million, Tanzania aims to improve energy availability, affordability and reliability by utilizing various sources, including hydro, natural gas, coal and renewables. The country strongly focuses on renewable energy transition, targeting a 70% renewable energy mix by December 2024. Tanzania has vast potential in hydrogen, geothermal, solar, and wind energy. Notable projects include: • The Julius Nyerere Hydro Power plant. • Ruhudji Hydro Power plant. • Somanga-Fungu Gas Fired Power project. • Planned LNG projects in partnership with international oil companies including Shell, Ophir, Pavilion, Equinor, and ExxonMobil. Tanzania also aims to establish cross-border gas pipelines with neighbouring countries. With its abundant resources, strategic location, and supportive framework, Tanzania is emerging as a significant player in the energy transition. “The mission of the Tanzania Ministry of Energy is to improve the availability, affordability and reliability of energy services to the citizens of Tanzania,” Felchesmi Mramba explained. “To achieve this, we aim to utilise a variety of different available sources including hydro, natural gas, coal, and renewables such as geothermal, solar, wind, and green hydrogen. We invite both domestic and foreign investors to participate.”

aef in Nairobi was a standout energy conference. aef brought impressive programs, seamless appointments, and impactful youth initiatives. The conference incorporated many youth programs and activities, making the whole event unique. The discussions were very fruitful with AfDB, ZESCO, TotalEnergies, and more. I look forward to a similar successful conference in Tanzania in February 2024. Felchesmi Mramba Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy United Republic of Tanzania

www.africa-energy-forum.com

31 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY 2024 • ARUSHA Tanzania ranks third in sub-Saharan Africa as a favoured future investment destination KPMG

Tanzania Signs First On-Grid 50 MW Solar Power Plant

6% projected GDP growth by 2025 World Bank

Sinohydro & AFD

Investment of $6.6B+ in energy Infrastructure

$300M investment in hydropower

Africa50

AfDB, EU and AFD

Shell, Equinor and Exxon Mobil agreed $42bln LNG project Reuters

For more information, please contact: Marketing@EnergyNet.co.uk

www.tanzania-ecs.com

aef. In one place. 2023 Session Highlights

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Wednesday 21 June – Country Spotlight: South Africa Investment Opportunities within South Africa’s Changing Energy Landscape.

Moderator: Dele Kuti, Global Head: Energy and Infrastructure Group, Standard Bank Ministerial Keynote Presentation: H.E. Honourable Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources & Energy, Republic of South Africa Speakers: • Jacob Mbele, Director General, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy, Republic of South Africa • Tshifhiwa Bernard Magoro, Head of IPP Office, Republic of South Africa • Segomoco Scheppers, MD, Transmission, Eskom, Republic of South Africa

During the Country Spotlight: Republic of South Africa at the aef, the panel addressed its recent issues with blackouts. H.E. Honourable Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources & Energy, emphasized the importance of clean energy access in Africa to combat poverty. South Africa aims to improve power station performance and develop new ones promptly. Tshifhiwa Bernard Magoro, the Head of the IPP Office, highlighted their role in procuring a diverse energy mix. South Africa has already procured nearly 30 G.W., with 12 G.W. in renewables, and some IPPs are being carried out in other African countries. However, significant work remains to develop the necessary capacity for South Africa’s growing economy. Jacob Mbele, Director General of South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources & Energy, mentioned the need for 28 G.W. by 2030 and the challenge of relying on the same transmission grid for two procurement processes. Segomoco Scheppers, Managing Director of Transmission at Eskom, discussed the improvement of grid reliability and plans for reorganizing Eskom into three divisions.

The private sector has a critical role to play. Our IPP programme has already attracted significant investment and created jobs and growth in the energy sector. The challenges we face require innovation and collaboration between public and private partners – as a department, we believe South Africa can lead the way in creating a clean economy… and become an exporter of renewable energy. H.E. Honourable Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources & Energy, Republic of South Africa.

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef. In one place. 2023 Session Highlights

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Wednesday 21 June – Financing an Africa “Transition” During this session on increasing the pace and scale of Africa’s renewable energy projects, the panel highlighted the enormous potential for expanding the continent’s energy sector. With around 640 million people still lacking access to modern electricity, there is a pressing need to address this challenge. Africa boasts abundant natural resources, including an estimated 1,000 GW of solar potential, 350 GW of hydropower potential, 130 GW of wind potential, and 15 GW of geothermal potential. Despite these promising prospects, the panel recognised that achieving universal access to energy remains a significant hurdle, mainly due to the rapid population growth expected in Africa. A just transition was emphasized as a critical approach to renewable energy expansion. This transition involves increasing renewable energy generation, ensuring job creation, and providing social protection to foster inclusivity and economic prosperity. Transitioning from fossil fuel industries to renewables requires careful planning, collaboration with governments, legislative reforms, and private investment. The panel identified de-risking projects as a crucial factor. Project risk factors in Africa were found to be 7-10% higher than in other regions, presenting a barrier to investment. To overcome this challenge, moving away from isolated projects and adopting a program-focused approach was recommended. This approach allows individual African nations to leverage their unique advantages and develop their path towards energy transition. Concerns were raised regarding multilateral investments in the just transition, highlighting the importance of understanding each country’s specific needs and committing to on-the-ground engagement. Deep comprehension of local contexts is necessary to develop tailored solutions and effectively address the energy access gap. Data was recognized as a valuable tool for understanding the needs of developing nations. By leveraging data, analytically and practically sound project plans can be formulated. However, financing renewable energy projects remains a complex issue. Despite the challenges, the panel expressed optimism for translating ambition into concrete actions, signalling a collective commitment to advancing renewable energy projects in Africa.

All sessions conducted under the Chatham House Rule must maintain confidentiality and not disclose the identities or affiliations of speakers and other participants during all sessions.

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Incredible forum to have all participants in the energy sector in one place sharing reflections on the past, present and what is shaping the future of the energy industry in Africa. I look forward to all the partnerships and deals struck during the show, translating to real projects soon. Wale Yusuff Managing Director, Wärtsilä Nigeria

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Wednesday 21 June – Tackling Intermittency Issues in Africa through Renewables Over 600 million Africans lack reliable access to electricity, creating a major developmental challenge. This panel discussed the potential of wind, solar, and hydrogen to solve intermittency issues. Concerns were raised about the intermittent nature of solar and wind power, emphasizing the need for affordable storage solutions. Government policies, like those in South Africa, were identified as ways to make batteries more accessible. Expanding local battery production and utilizing electric vehicle batteries as storage was also suggested. Battery performance is improving, increasing cycle lifetimes, and reducing costs. Enhancing grid connections for energy imports/exports and transparent policies were vital. Kenya’s diversification strategy, monitoring various power projects, was praised as a model for addressing system instability and intermittency. The panel agreed that countries should avoid over-reliance on a single energy source and develop strategies to draw on various solutions.

All sessions conducted under the Chatham House Rule must maintain confidentiality and not disclose the identities or affiliations of speakers and other participants during all sessions.

The well-organized forum was a great success, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak as a distinguished guest. It was an excellent chance to discuss energy investment in Africa with experts and engage in fruitful discussions. The sessions were coordinated, and the speakers were knowledgeable. I look forward to future engagements with industry experts and attending your team’s events. Aymen Alfakhal Director of Oil, Gas & Energy Portfolio, Libyan Investment Authority (LIA), Libya

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aef. In one place. 2023 Session Highlights Thursday 22 June – Hydrogen for Africa

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A lot of noise is being made around hydrogen and its potential to provide a sustainable alternative fuel. Globally, this is translating into tangible business opportunities and wealth generation. In 2023, the worldwide market is estimated to be worth around $170 billion (USD) – by 2030. It is forecast to almost double to $314 billion, with annual growth averaging more than 9%. Given its abundance of renewable energy-generating resources, Africa has been identified as housing the potential to become a world-leading hydrogenproducing region, primarily green hydrogen. Day 3 at aef 2023 saw an entirely new stream dedicated to hydrogen, the first session focusing on the opportunity for hydrogen to be leveraged locally across numerous applications, including transportation and aviation, heating systems and energy storage, among others. Kenya was highlighted as a potential leader in the hydrogen sector. The panel identified various opportunities for green hydrogen, including decarbonizing polluting sectors, boosting agriculture, stabilizing power grids, and fostering a green industrial revolution. The panel acknowledged the challenges: production costs, infrastructure requirements, electrolysis efficiency, and water scarcity. They also highlighted the need for a mature policy and regulatory environment, access to affordable capital, and bankable projects. Despite these challenges, the session highlighted notable successes, including announcing a $1 billion fund for green hydrogen projects in South Africa and progress on a $10 billion green hydrogen project in Namibia and the ways to overcome challenges and drive the development of the hydrogen sector on the continent.

All sessions conducted under the Chatham House Rule must maintain confidentiality and not disclose the identities or affiliations of speakers and other participants during all sessions.

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Thursday 22 June – Maximizing Grid Capacity – Integrating Solar, Wind and Storage Africa has witnessed remarkable progress in harnessing renewable energy. Solar and wind power installations have proliferated, and their costs continue to plummet, making them more accessible than ever before. Yet, as we strive to transition towards a clean energy future, we face the challenge of seamlessly integrating these intermittent sources into existing power grids. The integration of solar and wind into the grid to support Africa’s transition to sustainable energy sources is not without its challenges, key of which include the inherent intermittency of renewable energy sources. However, these challenges present numerous opportunities which could contribute to enhancing grid capacity and ensure a stable and reliable power supply. To set the scene, the audience received an overview of the efforts and key priorities being considered by Eskom to support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan. Based on South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), South Africa produces 17% of its total energy requirements from renewable energy sources. According to the current IRP, South Africa plans to increase this number to 30% by 2030, 62% in 2040 and 80% in 2050. However, the increased integration of solar and wind into the grid brings numerous opportunities and technical challenges which have to be addressed.

Several countries have also turned their focus to investments in battery energy storage systems (BESS) which have become the most broadly accepted solution to overcome the intermittency challenges associated with renewable energy sources.

Author: Jessica Mutemi, Associate, Projects, Energy and Infrastructure, Bowmans Kenya

It was acknowledged that the increased penetration of solar and wind on the grid requires enhancement of the transmission network and adoption of new technologies such as energy storage to accommodate the growth of renewable energy sources. To achieve this goal, Eskom has developed a Transmission Development Plan, which outlines the transmission grid requirements over a ten-year period. At a high level, Eskom needs to build 14,000km of transmission network and install around 176 large transformers at a cost of approximately USD 12 billion. To do this, Eskom is pursuing engineering, procurement and construction models with the private sector to assist with project development and management. Eskom has also received a debt relief package from the government which has enabled them to execute some of the projects in their Transmission Development Plan. Several countries have also turned their focus to investments in battery energy storage systems (BESS) which have become the most broadly accepted solution to overcome the intermittency challenges associated with renewable energy sources. Key examples include Eskom’s 200 MW, 4-hour BESS project in South Africa which is expected to come online in March 2024, EDM’s 15MW solar PV project with battery energy storage in Mozambique which is at its

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commissioning stages, and Lekela Power 40MW BESS to be incorporated at one of its utility-scale wind farms in Senegal. The roll-out of these projects is expected to increase grid stability and support increased integration of renewables into the grid. However, the speakers pointed out that the increased penetration of renewable energy on the grid may result in an oversupply of energy and complicate the balancing of supply and demand on the grid. Whilst BESS have played a significant role in balancing the grid, the speakers agreed that batteries are only one part of the solution. Upcoming industries such as hydrogen and ammonia production, desalination projects and electric vehicles also represent a huge potential source of storage and demand-side flexibility, which can benefit from the oversupply of power. Countries like Mozambique and Kenya with inter-state transmission lines with their neighboring countries can leverage on these networks to supply excess energy to countries experiencing inconsistent quality, load shedding or complete loss of power. Additionally, the panel discussed the value of land in ensuring success of these large-scale energy projects. Investors and developers were called upon to, amongst other things, (i) develop a land acquisition plan which would be guided by the legal and regulatory framework of the host country; (ii) conduct environmental and social impact assessments to determine the environmental impacts of their projects on land, compulsory acquisition, resettlement and compensation of communities; and (iii) establish dispute resolution mechanisms with the local communities impacted by the project for any land disputes that may arise. Finally, the role of the private sector in assisting African countries with their energy transition and integration of renewable energy sources into their energy mix was addressed by the panel. Some of the initiatives highlighted include organizing peer-to-peer exchange forums to facilitate technology transfer between system operators and regulators across different jurisdictions and supporting utilities to enhance their efficiency and minimize system losses. These efforts demonstrate the goodwill and collaborative approach required by many African countries in their transition towards a clean energy future. In summary, the process of integrating solar, wind, and storage into the grid requires the collective effort of government, utilities, developers, and investors. who are called upon to embrace storage and other emerging technologies to contribute to the sustainable integration of renewable energy sources into the grid. These stakeholders are urged to adopt storage and other emerging technologies as part of their commitment to promoting the sustainable integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.

All sessions conducted under the Chatham House Rule must maintain confidentiality and not disclose the identities or affiliations of speakers and other participants during all sessions.

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The vital role of institutions such as USAID and Actis in assisting African countries with their energy transition and the integration of renewable energy sources into their energy mix was demonstrated.

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BUSINESS

Business

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2023 The Standard

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World. GOPs split over Trump indictment. Page 26

KQ now eyes more passenger trafﬁc with new Emirates deal ∑ Passengers of both airlines will access more destinations with a single ticket. ∑ Kenya Airways passengers can now access 23 destinations, connecting through Dubai. MACHARIA KAMAU, NAIROBI

enya Airways (KQ) has entered into an interline partnership with Emirates, which will offer passengers access to new destinations on the networks of the two airlines with a single ticket. The new pact will see Emirates’ passengers access 28 destinations in Africa currently on KQ’s network connecting through Nairobi. KQ’s passengers will also access destinations on the Emirates network, especially in the Middle East and Asia through its Dubai hub. The new deal could help KQ grow passenger traffic on its route network to other African countries. “Emirates customers will now be able to fly to 28 destinations on the Kenya Airways network using Nairobi as the gateway to destinations such as Nampula (Mozambique), Bangui (Central African Republic), Bujumbura (Burundi), Kigali (Rwanda), Dzaoudzi (Mayotte), Lubumbashi, Kinshasa (DR Congo), Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Juba (South Sudan), Zanzibar, among many other regional points across Africa,” said the two carriers in a joint statement Monday. “Additionally, as part of a bilateral interline arrangement, Emirates passengers travelling via Dubai can also book a single ticket itinerary from or to Mombasa, one of the most popular leisure destinations in Kenya.” KQ passengers travelling from Nairobi and Mombasa will now access the Emirates’ network and connect through Dubai to 23 destinations in West and South Asia, the Far East, the Indian Ocean and Middle East. “Kenya is a strategic gateway in our Africa network, and this new interline agreement will enhance connectivity for Emirates’ customers and provide them with more travel choices across the continent. We look forward to deepening our relationship with Kenya Airways, offering greater network opportunities and improving connections for both of our customers,” said Emirates Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim. Emirates operates 14 weekly flights between Nairobi and Dubai. KQ currently operates ten weekly flights between Nairobi and Dubai and recently launched direct flights between Mombasa and Dubai. It operates four weekly flights on the new route. “This partnership will provide the ideal gateway for our customers as we seek to increase

KQ’s passengers will now access destinations on the Emirates network, especially in the Middle East and Asia through its Dubai hub. [File, Standard]

our connectivity between Africa and the Middle East through Emirates’ hub in Dubai. Partnerships like these are key in aviation as they take advantage of mutual scale and efﬁciencies to provide customers with more seamless travel options,” said KQ Chief Commercial and Customer Ofﬁcer Julius Thairu. The national carrier has been seeking strategic partnerships with other carriers. In April this year, it revived an interline

Aviation

DESTINATIONS

EMIRATES’ passengers access in Africa currently on KQ’s network connecting through Nairobi.

agreement that it had with China Southern Airlines, which was suspended in April 2020. The deal will enable KQ to increase its reach in China and Asia while enabling China Southern to increase its footprint in Africa. It plans to get into a possibly bigger partnership with South African Airways (SAA). The two carriers signed a partnership framework in 2021 that is expected to see them form a Pan-African airline. Working together will enable them lower travel costs and improve connectivity within Africa. The carriers have also said there are plans to onboard another airline, preferably a West African carrier. When they signed the partnership framework, the two airlines noted that their partnership was a critical step to the realisation of both the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) initiatives. There are expectations that the two initiatives will be key in increasing air connectivity on the continent boosting trade, and tourism while promoting the growth and value of air transport in Africa. emacharia@standardmedia.co.ke

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023 The Standard

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Tuesday, June 20, 2023 The Standard

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Ruto to open Africa Energy Forum in Nairobi today

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SKILLS

TEXTILES MANUFACTURER BOSS ELECTED KEPSA CHAIRMAN

Nairobi to host energy summit for the youth The Youth Energy Summit (YES!) will return for its second edition in Nairobi next week as it seeks to boost skills, connections and business readiness of future African energy leaders. Hosted by EnergyNet in conjunction with the Africa Energy Forum, the inaugural YES! gathering in Brussels in 2022 emphasised the signiﬁcance of early career professionals, entrepreneurs, students and educators in accelerating access to reliable energy across Africa. This year, thanks to a growing list of key partnerships across corporates, foundations, NGOs, universities and sector initiatives, YES! has a chance to showcase its credentials between June 20-23. It is an opportunity for early career professionals and students to seek guidance from educators, entrepreneurs and energy experts as they learn both soft and technical skills. Among partner organisations supporting the summit is the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) who join in 2023 as the event’s ﬁrst foundational partner. “Young entrepreneurs are often excluded from all aspects of the energy transition value chain, and they face disproportionate barriers to educational opportunities, project finance, and decent jobs, particularly those in emerging and developing economies where access is compounded by additional development challenges,” said GEAPP vice president for Africa Joseph Nganga. “To meet ambitious global goals of hundreds of millions of green jobs by 2030, it is urgent that young people are trained and supported now to access opportunities and accelerate growth in the renewables sectors as they seek opportunities in the workforce.’ [Correspondent]

MANUFACTURING

State steps up county industrial parks plan The Trade ministry has come up with strategies for rollout of county aggregation and industrial parks. With 14 counties already working on the project, it is expected to create employment for 10,000 people per county every month with small enterprises as their main target. Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria presented a 10-point plan on the industrial parks during a preparatory meeting in Nairobi on Monday. He urged investors to start manufacturing at the parks. [Agnes Maluki]

CONSERVATION Trade Industry and Investments Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria with new Kenya Private Sector Alliance (Kepsa) Chairman Jaswinder Bedi following his election during the lobby’s 19th Annual General Meeting and launch of its business strategy in Nairobi yesterday. Mr Bedi is the CEO of Bedi Investments, a textile and apparel manufacturer for the export market. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Fuel prices dip marginally as VAT hike in budget looms large ∑ Super petrol will now retail at Sh182.04 per litre in Nairobi, diesel at Sh167.28, while kerosene will go for Sh161.48 a litre. ∑ Prices could, however, hit highs of Sh200 for petrol from July 1 if Parliament passes the proposal to raise value-added tax to 16 per cent. MACHARIA KAMAU, NAIROBI

he prices of super petrol and diesel have dropped marginally even as Kenyans await the outcome of the proposal to hike the value-added tax on petroleum products in the Finance Bill, 2023 in Parliament. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) yesterday reduced the retail price of super petrol by 66 cents while that of diesel will go down by Sh1.12. Kerosene will on the other hand increase by 35 cents. Super petrol will starting this morning retail at Sh182.04 per litre in Nairobi, diesel at Sh167.28, while kerosene will go for Sh161.48 a litre. If the proposal to increase VAT to 16 per cent from eight per cent sails through in Parliament, it is expected to increase super petrol pump price to Sh195 per litre in Nairobi and well over Sh200 in far-ﬂung towns such as Mandera, Elwak and Moyale where the fuel is currently retailing at more than Sh190.

Diesel will increase to about Sh180 per litre in Nairobi. “The average landed cost of imported super petrol decreased by one per cent in April… diesel increased by 0.84 per cent… while kerosene decreased by 0.83 per cent,” said Epra in a statement Wednesday. Data that Epra used to compute the monthly pricing guide showed that the price of crude oil had continued to decline, but the impact this would have had on local pump prices was eroded by the shilling that continued to weaken against the US dollar. The shilling exchanged with the dollar at an average of Sh141.39 in May, weaker than Sh138.96 in April. This is even as crude oil prices fell to $79.55 (Sh10,977) on average in May from $83.36 (Sh11,500) in April. Prices are set to go up significantly next month as new VAT rates come into effect should lawmakers pass the Finance Bill, 2023 in its current form. The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (Kepsa) told the National Assembly’s Finance and Planning Committee that the hike in VAT on fuel would result in an immediate increase in pump prices by Sh12 per litre of petrol and diesel. “The increase of eight per cent will lead to a corresponding increase in the cost of fuel by Sh12.56 and Sh12.76 per litre for diesel and super petrol, respectively. Further, oil marketing companies will need additional capital to sustain their margins,” said Kepsa in its submis-

sions to the committee, adding that a higher tax rate would also dent earnings for industry players, who would need more cash to buy the same amount of stock. “In 2019, oil marketing companies (OMCs) enjoyed margins of 0.1 per cent with an investment of Sh1 million, in July 2023, if the proposal passes, OMC margins will drop to 0.05 per cent with an investment of Sh2 million. The additional cash flow financing will reduce the OMC margins and profitability and hence a reduction in corporate taxes paid to the government.” Despite the public outcry on the impact that higher fuel prices will have on the economy, the committee retained the proposals that Treasury had made. This is despite making some concessions and reducing other taxes that Treasury had proposed in the Finance Bill. The committee had noted that the aim was to standard VAT rates that are either imposed at 16 per cent or zero rated, adding that the eight per cent rate that was unique to petroleum products had complicated the administration of the tax on oil companies by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). “The committee noted that the existing VAT rates were not standard and thus intended to harmonise the rate to 16 per cent, including for petroleum products,” said the Finance Committee in its report on the Finance Bill. emacharia@standardmedia.co.ke

It’s all systems go for energy industry forum The Africa Energy Forum (AEF) is set to take place from June 20-23 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and its State Agencies are collaborating with Energynet to host the event. This marks the first time that Kenya will host the forum, which brings together key stakeholders and thought leaders in the energy sector from around the world. Under the theme “Africa for Africa - Building Energy for the Just Transition,” the 25th edition of the forum aims to foster a deeper understanding of the continent’s energy requirements and the role of international investors in meeting these needs. It brings together government officials, utilities, regulators, development finance institutions, commercial banks, power developers, technology providers, engineering, procurement, and construction companies as well as professional services. By converging and sharing insights, participants will forge partnerships and drive positive change in Africa’s energy sector. In the recent past, Kenya has become a beacon of renewable energy deployment, with the country making significant progress in diversifying its energy mix. Geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar power now account for 81 per cent of the nation’s electrical generation. KenGen and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) have been instrumental in the development of renewable energy in Kenya. The two entities have played a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s geothermal production capacity, contributing significantly to the progress of the energy industry. The country’s installed geothermal capacity is projected to expand by at least eightfold, opening doors for expanding green manufacturing capacity and exporting surplus electricity to neighbouring nations. [Correspondent]

CORPORATE

Airtel Money scraps fees for power bills Airtel Money has signed a partnership with Kenya Power that will allow Kenyans to pay for their electricity bills at zero transaction fees via the platform. Airtel Money managing director Anne-Kinuthia Otieno said this is one of Airtel Money’s initiatives to help cushion Kenyans during these tough economic times and will beneﬁt both the post-paid and prepaid Kenya Power customers for the next six months. “The cost saving on the charge per transaction will enable customers to utilise their money for other purchases,” she said. [James Wanzala]

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula chairs a Parliamentary session. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Raila-led coalition lines up eight amendments to the Finance Bill ∑ Opposition pushing for amendments to contentious issues such as the housing levy. ∑ Disciplinary measures await party MPs who will vote in support of the Finance Bill. EdwIN NyArANgI, Nairobi

aila Odinga-led Azimio coalition has lined up eight amendments to the Finance Bill 2023 that is set for the third reading today. There is likelihood of a showdown between Azimio-affiliated lawmakers and those allied to President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza. Ruto wants the Bill passed so that he his administration can undertake its financial obligations. On Sunday, he pleaded with lawmakers from across the political divide to approve the Bill. At least 10 amendments to the Finance Bill have been lined up, with eight of them being proposed by the opposition while two are from legislators allied to the government side. National Assembly Finance Committee Chairman Kuria Kimani said the proposed amendments will be tabled before the House where members will have an opportunity to debate them before they are subjected to a vote. “We have received 10 amendments to the Finance Bill 2023, eight of them being from Azimio members and two of them from the government side. They will be brought to the House where members will debate them and then subject them to a vote,” said Kimani. National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said the opposition is pushing to vote on each clause to amend contentious issues such as the housing levy, before the Bill is sub-

Opiyo wandayi, National assembly Minority

“I ”We are going to introduce amendments to the Finance Bill 2023 on the housing levy and taxation clauses to ensure that they are not punitive to Kenyans.”

jected to a vote by MPs. Wandayi said the opposition is keen to ensure that punitive measures introduced by the Kenya Kwanza regime -- which will make life difficult for ordinary citizens -- are amended. “Members of Azimio coalition are going to introduce amendments to the Finance Bill 2023 on the housing levy and taxation clauses to ensure that they are not punitive to Kenyans and also vote clause by clause to ensure that the ordinary citizens emerge winners at the end of the day,” said Wandayi. ODM National Chairman John Mbadi said said MPs are going to debate the Finance Bill clause by clause before they go to the final vote and that if their colleagues insist on having it passed as it is they will have no option but to vote against it in its entirety. Mbadi said the best thing is to have significant amendments so that the House can support it irrespective of party affiliation. “The opposition is not opposing the Finance Bill 2023 just for the sake of it, we want amendments to be done to ensure that clauses that are coming up with taxation measures that

John Mbadi, oDM national chairman,

Kuria Kimani, Finance Committee Chairman,

”The opposition is not opposing the Bill just for the sake of it, we want amendments to on clauses that are coming up with taxation measures that will overburden Kenyans.”

“We have received 10 amendments to the Finance Bill 2023, eight of them being from Azimio members and two of them from the government side.”

will overburden Kenyans are amended that is why we want our colleagues from Kenya Kwanza to also support this,” said Mbadi. Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has proposed three amendments seeking to have imported fish deleted from items earmarked for excise tax re-introduce VAT on helicopters and delete 35 per cent PAYE band. Azimio Legal Advisor Paul Mwangi said that they are waiting for the outcome of the voting of Finance Bill 2023 and if it is passed without amendments they will have no option but to move to court to challenge it. Last week the finance bill 2023 report was passed by the National Assembly during its second reading with 176 out of 257 MPs voting in favour of the bill while 81 opposed while 92 legislators were absent during the voting exercise. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has made it clear that disciplinary measures await party MPs who will vote in support of the Finance Bill as it is currently constituted and those who will be absent during voting. “All Kenyans are in agreement that the Kenya Kwanza regime is wrong in

this matter, that is why we will take disciplinary action against our members who will support a Bill that is aimed at making Kenyans more poorer than they are today,” said Sifuna. The Finance Bill 2023 has 84 clauses and seeks to amend the following laws: the Income Tax Act (Cap. 470); the Value Added Tax Act (No. 35 of 2013); the Tax Appeals Tribunal Act (No. 40 of 2013); the Excise Duty Act (No. 23 of 2015); the Tax Procedures Act (No. 29 of 2015); the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act (No. 29 of 2016). Other clauses are: the Unclaimed Financial Assets Act (No. 40 of 2011); the Statutory Instruments Act (No. 23 of2013); the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act (Cap, 131), the Kenya Roads Board Act, 1999, the Kenya Revenue Authority Act, 1995, the Employment Act, 2007 and the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act (No. 8 of 2015) The amendments proposed to the above laws provide a raft of tax policy measures which aim at yielding additional revenue of Sh 211 billion for the Fiscal Year 2023/24 which is part of the Sh2.571 trillion projected revenues for the said year.

Climate leaders Ruto said that the continent was home to the current and next generation of climate leaders, entrepreneurs, business, and civil society that will help unlock the solutions to transformative action. “On a continent where almost half of the population still lacks electricity, clean energy provides an opportunity to supercharge economic growth and improve lives and livelihoods,” said the President. He observed that realising this potential will require a step change noting that clean energy investment in Africa represents only 2 per cent of the global total and less than 10 per cent of the $120 billion a year that is required. “We must transform the way we deploy public, concessional, and philanthropic capital to drive the private investment that is needed for climate action in Africa. We need to fundamentally rethink the way financiers, governments, global institutions, and technology providers engage with each other,” read the communique. “We are determined to work hand in hand to ensure COP28 and the Africa Climate Action Summit will deliver real and tangible results for the climate and for the people of Africa and the world.” [Jacob Ng’etich]

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aef. In one place. Press Highlights AEF has sparked a debate on achieving economic growth alongside clean energy goals. Kenyan President William Ruto highlighted Kenya’s thriving renewable energy investments, with 90% of electricity now from clean sources. This success challenges the idea that development and green energy conflict. USAID Administrator Samantha Power also emphasized green energy’s development potential in Africa. The stories covered diverse angles, including public institutions adopting sustainable energy, COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber, USAID Sh 12.5bn donation for African green energy, and more.

The EastAfrican

Is it time for energy transition in Africa? That’s the question Author Vincent Owino, Nation Media Group, June 24 2023 At the opening of the African Energy Forum (aef) in Nairobi on Tuesday, Kenyan President William Ruto said his country has proved that it is possible to develop economically while maintaining clean energy goals, a view that several players in the energy sector are averse to. According to Dr Ruto, Kenya’s “bold” move decades ago to invest in renewable energy “at a time when it was not fashionable to do so” has paid off, as at least 90 percent of electricity in Kenya today comes from clean sources. What’s available? “There is a perception that development and green energy is in conflict or cannot be on the same trajectory,” Dr Ruto said, adding that Kenya is a “perfect example that it is possible to achieve meaningful development with green energy.” He is not alone in this viewpoint. United States Agency for International Development (USAid) administrator Samantha Power, speaking at the same forum, said their initiative, Power Africa, has proved that developing Africa fast doesn’t have to involve using the same technologies that electrified the west. While announcing a grant of $88.9 million to support renewable energy projects in the region under the Power Africa programme, Ms Power said that although many still argue that Africa should stick to fossil fuels to develop faster, initiatives such as Power Africa are proving that clean energy sources can spur just as much development. “Together, we have proved we can extend power across the planet without harming the planet in the process,” Ms Power said. “We need to build on that momentum, because the simple fact is that we are going to need to move faster to reach the true scale of what we need.” GE Gas Power’s managing director for Sub-Saharan Africa Kenneth Oyakhire also subscribes to this perspective. According to him, Africa needs to develop a way to transition in phases to avoid major disruptions in economies while steering economic growth at the same time.

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aef. In one place. Press Highlights “We cannot take with levity the impact of carbonisation. Whether we like it or not, it has an enormous impact on our environment, and we see it on a daily basis today,” Oyakhire told The EastAfrican. “The sensible thing to do is to transition phase by phase, and what I mean by that is making sure gas takes a big play in the energy transition process. I believe that a good mix of gas and renewable energy is the way to go.” On the other hand, a number of top leaders in the energy sector in the region hold the contrary opinion. Some say that “just transition” is an idea of the West, but it’s not good for Africa and leaders shouldn’t buy into it. Needs analysis “Continents are at different stages of their growth curves. What’s ‘just’ in America might not be ‘just’ in Asia or in Africa,” said a senior official of a petroleum company in the region. “Today, about one half of Africans have no access to electricity, to them what matters is electricity, not the source, and that is what’s ‘just’ to them.” The organiser of aef EnergyNet’s managing director, Simon Gosling, told The EastAfrican that Africa’s most pressing problem is the huge energy gap that has left more than half the continent’s population without electricity and policies should seek to address that urgently. “I prefer to talk about how we can create an environment to deliver reliable electricity in Africa,” he told The EastAfrican. According to Mr Gosling, “just transition” means finding ways to keep people who were previously working in the non-renewable fuels sector employed and financially afloat even as the world transitions to safer alternatives, and that mostly applies to the West. “In Kenya, for example, 90 percent of electricity is from renewable sources. So, what are you transitioning from?” he commented. Source: https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/science-health/is-it-time-for-energy-transition-in-africa-that-s-the-question-4282172

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aef. In one place. Press Highlights The Standard

Ruto to open Africa Energy Forum in Nairobi Author Jacob Ng’etich, The Standard Media, 24 June 2023

President Ruto and COP28 President Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber will today launch a joint working group between the Africa Climate Action Summit and COP28. The launch by Ruto and Al Jaber is part of their commitment to realising Africa’s potential in the energy transition. The Africa Energy Forum is being held in Nairobi today. Ruto in a joint communique with Al Jaber noted that climate change is one of the greatest challenges confronting the world today. The Africa Climate Action Summit and COP28 will be critical milestones in the year. “A critical element will be a plan to fundamentally transition the world’s energy systems and vastly scale investments in clean energy,” said Ruto. The president said Africa has the potential to lead this transition and deliver enormous benefits for the region and globally. In addition to being home to one of the planet’s most important carbon sinks, it is endowed with significant untapped hydro potential along the Congo and Nile rivers, geothermal potential along the Rift Valley, and solar and wind potential across the continent. Ruto said that the continent was home to the current and next generation of climate leaders, entrepreneurs, business, and civil society that will help unlock the solutions to transformative action. “On a continent where almost half of the population still lacks electricity, clean energy provides an opportunity to supercharge economic growth and improve lives and livelihoods,” said the President. He observed that realising this potential will require a step change noting that clean energy investment in Africa represents only 2 per cent of the global total and less than 10 per cent of the $120 billion a year that is required. “We must transform the way we deploy public, concessional, and philanthropic capital to drive the private investment that is needed for climate action in Africa. We need to fundamentally rethink the way financiers, governments, global institutions, and technology providers engage with each other,” read the communique. “We are determined to work hand in hand to ensure COP28 and the Africa Climate Action Summit will deliver real and tangible results for the climate and for the people of Africa and the world.” Source: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001475556/ruto-to-open-africa-energy-forum-in-nairobi

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aef. In one place. Press Highlights Engineering News

Opinion: Embracing renewable energy – a catalyst for sustainable mining Author: JUWI Renewables South Africa MD Richard Doyle 6 July 2023 In this article, JUWI Renewables South Africa MD Richard Doyle shares insights from a recent Africa Energy Forum (aef) panel discussion during which experts from the renewable energy and mining sectors explored ways to overcome challenges to and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy in mining. Mining plays a vital role in Africa’s economy, contributing significantly to gross domestic product (GDP) and providing employment opportunities for millions. The sector is at a crossroads, however, caught between its economic significance and the pressing need for environmental responsibility. As the clamour for sustainability grows louder, mining companies face significant pressure to adopt renewable energy sources and reduce their carbon footprint. At the same time, rising electricity costs, a lack of grid availability and unreliable electricity supply (such as in South Africa, currently) are driving mines to explore alternative and least-cost energy sources, such as renewables. Several key challenges need to be addressed to expedite the mining industry’s transition to renewable energy, however. Perceptions The first is the prevailing perception that renewable energy systems lack reliability. It is understandable why this perception exists – after all, who hasn’t been caught off guard by a sudden downpour, despite the weather forecast promising a sunny day? However, the reality is quite different. Technological advancements have made renewable energy systems highly reliable, and this has been proven in practice. Panellists at the aef unanimously agreed that reliability was no longer a concern. Photovoltaic (PV) projects have proven their success, both on-grid and off-grid, leveraging stable grid infrastructure and cost-effective battery energy storage systems respectively. Yet, the challenge for manufacturers lies in dispelling the lingering perception of unreliability among stakeholders downstream. There is a need for greater product awareness and knowledge dissemination to bridge this gap. At the same time, mines need to do their homework and ensure they engage a competent and experienced engineering, procurement and construction provider to construct their plants. Resistance Traditionally, mines have been hesitant to adopt new technologies, preferring to follow the lead of others. Mines like to be “first to be third” and generally don’t take technology risk. In some instances, this “third mover” advantage saves mines the time and cost of conducting their own feasibility studies as they can replicate other successful projects. However, the tides are turning, and the industry is gradually becoming more receptive, and mines are now open to the idea of incorporating captive solar PV solutions into their power supply. Unfortunately, a lack of updated information still poses challenges. Many industry professionals, including consultants, have limited updated knowledge of renewable energy products and the performance of early adopters. Further complicating the issue is the availability of accurate and updated information which sees mines and consultants making decisions based on incorrect or old information.

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aef. In one place. Press Highlights Ultimately, things are moving in the right direction. Africa has now seen a sizable group of “first movers” mines such as Centamin, Tronox, Gold Fields, Harmony Gold, Pan African Resources, Sibanye-Stillwater and Anglo American. As more successful renewable energy projects emerge, the economic value proposition has become stronger, and is encouraging others to replicate these initiatives. Additionally, mounting pressure for decarbonisation, including impending carbon emissions-based import taxation in Europe, is compelling mining companies to embrace renewable energy solutions. Costs Financial considerations have long posed a hurdle for renewable energy projects in mining. The high initial costs, with a 10 MW solar plant costing between $8-million and $12 million, potentially compete with capital allocation to accessing the orebody. Furthermore, the limited lifespan of mining operations does not align well with long term project financing or the expected useful life of renewable assets. However, these challenges are mitigated by a number of developments. The commodity boom and increased costs of other electricity sources have seen a number of mining companies opt to self-fund renewable energy projects due to free cash and increased savings. Further, a number of leading independent power producers (IPPs) have stepped into the space offering funded solutions and removing the capital barrier and power purchase agreements (PPAs) with tenors of 15 to 20 years or shorter were becoming more prevalent. To tackle the challenge of mismatched PPAs and mine life, IPPs are looking increasingly to aggregate demand from multiple energy consumers and/or wheeling excess electricity. Additionally, the introduction of redeploy able systems will revolutionise the landscape for many mines, as these systems can be relocated and repurposed once the mine reaches the end of its lifespan. Timelines Project timelines and negotiation challenges often impede the progress of renewable energy projects in the mining sector. In South Africa, mining industry project timelines are subject to delays caused by the national power utility Eskom’s Cost Estimate Letter and Budget Quotation processes. Delays in these processes significantly affect the financial close and the project’s commercial operation date. The new Grid Queuing Rules just announced by Eskom will mitigate this significantly. Outside of South Africa, slow negotiations, concerns about bankability, and tenor-related issues often impede the progress of renewable energy projects in the mining sector and in some instances these negotiations simply fizzle out. Despite the challenges, there is immense potential for renewable energy in mining, mostly by integration with current solutions (grid or thermal). By addressing perceptions of reliability, improving access to up-to-date information, overcoming financial considerations, and streamlining project timelines, mining companies can seize the economic and environmental benefits offered by renewable energy. Each mine’s unique requirements should be considered to ensure optimal value and sustainability in the mining industry’s energy transition. With concerted efforts from industry stakeholders, the momentum behind renewable energy in mining will continue to grow. The time has come for mining companies to recognise the undeniable benefits offered by renewable energy. By embracing these technologies, the mining industry can cut costs, access reliable energy, protect the environment, improve its public image, and secure its long-term viability. The opportunity is ripe, and it is up to the mining sector to seize it. Source: https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/opinion-embracing-renewable-energy-a-catalyst-for-sustainable-mining-2023-07-06 *As the aef was held under Chatham House Rule, experts aren’t quoted.

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aef. In one place. Press Highlights Bloomberg

High Costs Stall South African Renewable Energy Projects Author David Herbling, 21 June 2023 (Bloomberg) -- South African renewable energy projects selected over a year ago to add generation from private producers and help end electricity shortages are struggling to reach financial close due to an escalation in costs, according to one of the developers. A dozen projects, with a combined capacity of more than 1,000 megawatts, remain hamstrung because of increases in financing and other charges, said Globeleq Chief Executive Officer Mike Scholey. The government announced the preferred bidders in October 2021 in the nation’s fifth bid round. “In South Africa we’re struggling to deliver due to costs,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of the Africa Energy Forum in Nairobi. The delays come as the most industrialized nation on the continent suffers from record power cuts due to breakdowns of state-owned Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd.’s mainly coal-fired units. Performance has deteriorated even as the government outlines measures to improve the situation. Projects have also been sidelined due to a lack of connections to the national grid. Wind stations were spurned in the sixth round, limiting projects advancing to the next stage as a lobby for the technology warned that the problem could limit investment. For Globeleq, selling the electricity to private consumers rather than Eskom is one potential solution, Scholey said. “In the short term, this is the way forward: allow direct sale to end-use customers.” The company won the preferred bids in the fifth round as the majority partner in the Ikamva Consortium, which includes Mainstream Renewable Power, Africa Rainbow Energy & Power and H1 Holdings. --With assistance from Mike Cohen. Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-21/high-costs-stall-south-african-renewable-energy-projects

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aef. In one place. Press Highlights ESI Magazine

Ministers: Balancing the energy transition against stability of fossil fuels Author Nasi Hako, ESI Magazine, 27 June 2023 African leaders have reiterated their commitment to a just energy transition in line with Paris Agreement goals, but not without consideration of each country’s realities and individual constraints, reports ESI Africa. During a ministerial roundtable at the Africa Energy Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, ministers from eight African countries got candid about their progress regarding their future plans to accelerate just energy transition implementation. While several ministers emphasised their commitment to a just energy transition, the African leaders also made sure to highlight the challenges that stand in the way of their commitments. One minister suggested that energy-starved African countries build their economies on the backs of responsibly deployed fossil fuels to ensure a feasible future transition. Uganda to exploit fossil fuels for energy security. Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu admitted that the process to an energy transition will be challenging despite the country’s main source of electricity being hydropower, contributing around 90%. The country also generates 4% of its electricity using hydrofluoricolefins (HFOs) for purposes of energy security. However, with an around 57% electricity access rate, Ssentamu said Uganda is concentrating on securing its generation system. The minister was adamant that the country will continue to use oil and gas “responsibly”, because “the world will continue to use oil and gas.” She said that, although LPG has carbons, the country hopes to transition into using this fuel source rather than biomass, which is the main source of energy used in the country and misaligned with the country’s goals of turning to clean cooking. In aid of this, Uganda has recently issued two licensing rounds for the procurement of oil and gas. The country is now in the process of releasing its third licensing round, given the potential for 6.5 billion barrels with an expected to produce 230 barrels of crude oil per day. “We are targeting gas. We have 500 billion cubic feet of gas – we want to use this gas to stop cutting down trees, and now you are telling me you are not financing oil and gas? Really? And you are still driving cars using petroleum?” Minister Ssentamu questioned. Instead, the minister advised that leaders devise means of exploiting natural resources carefully but put in place laws that will reduce environmental damage while contributing less to deforestation and increasing energy access affordably. “We have to make sure that we are supported with the technologies that will see us exploit our natural resources responsibly, but to tell us not to touch oil and gas… I don’t think we shall listen,” the Minister added. “We are lucky that we are doing it after our big brothers have done it. Where they erred, we are ready to correct.”

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aef. In one place. The rest of East Africa ramps up its transition. Echoing similar sentiments as Ssentamu, Davis Chirchi, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum in Kenya, said that the East African country is working to achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2028 to avoid deforestation. The Cabinet Secretary also spoke of the country’s intentions to further deploy renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal – which successfully comprises 950MW of its energy profile – to achieve universal energy access by 2030. Representing the landlocked East African country of the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Habtamu Itefa Geleta, the country’s Minister of Water and Energy, said there is always someone trying to twist their hand not using its natural sources and keep the Ethiopian people in the dark and in poverty. Despite existing challenges, the country plans to reach a generation capacity of 17,000MW by 2030, with 20-30% of the country’s energy derived from renewable sources. Aly Iboura Moussa, the Minister of Energy, Water & Hydrocarbons for the Union of Comoros, admitted that although the country is vulnerable to climate change, it relies on fossil fuels which are costly and volatile. Therefore, Comoros plans to capitalise on its vast renewable energy sources, insisting on geothermal as it hopes to learn from Kenya’s successes. Currently, the country also has plans in the pipeline for three solar plants with a total capacity of 9MW, thanks to World Bank funding. To further make its energy transition a reality, Moussa said the energy ministry wants to upgrade its grid and allow for private sector participation. Ibrahim Matola, Minister of Energy in Malawi, said that Malawi historically depends on hydropower and very little on fossil fuels. Despite losing 130MW of power to Cyclone Ana, Matola said that the country still showed its commitment to decarbonisation by decommissioning 70MW of genset. Matola said that the country is focused on moving forward and therefore needs the red tape and bureaucracy surrounding renewable energy procurement to end so that African countries can start trading power into Europe. Southern Africa battles with energy security. Nobuhle Nkabane, Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy in South Africa, said the country is committed to the Paris Agreement. Given the country’s current energy crisis and dependence on fossil fuels, the country is leveraging renewable energy independent power producers (IPPs) for additional generation. Currently, the country has 5GW of operational renewable energy IPP projects with 5,000MW in preparation for financial close, Nkabane noted. Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development, Magna Mudyiwa, said that it is imperative for Zimbabwe to be a part of the energy transition, but that it is hindered by its lack of energy security. Despite changing climate conditions depleting the country’s hydropower resources and admitting struggle in increasing renewable energy production, Mudyiwa said the country still targets a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through private sector partnerships. Though Mudyiwa admitted that the country has not done much in terms of renewable energy deployment, the country is encouraged to meet its goal to generate an additional 1,100MW of power by 2025. Some of these goals, it hopes to meet by developing mini- and micro-grids through private-public partnerships. Encapsulating a common theme of the discussion, Mudyiwa ended by saying: “As Zimbabwe, we are committed to the energy transition, and we are doing everything within our means to achieve this in spite of all the challenges we go through as a country.” Source: https://www.esi-africa.com/finance-and-policy/ministers-balancing-the-energy-transition-against-stability-of-fossil-fuels/

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