Improving information will help advance progress towards the achievement of Agenda 2063
The African Energy Commission (AFREC) has been conducting series of workshops since March 2019, on energy statistics, efficiency and data collection to create a comprehensive energy system for Africa. The workshops are a stepping stone to create ground work, to enable AFREC develop an online African Energy System Database (AESD) on energy efficiency for the African industrial sector. This is in addition to the creation of the African Energy Efficiency Indicator Database for Residential Sector which was launched in 2017 and its second publication is due for release by the end of this year.
The Training Workshop on Energy Statistic and Efficiency targeted energy focal point experts from the African Union Member states, involved in collecting energy data in their respective countries. Thus far, AFREC has conducted four Training Workshops, covering all regional focal Centers of Africa i.e. Southern, Central, East, North and West.
The 4th and last Regional Training Workshop for this year, which is underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is providing training to new AU Member States Energy focal points from North and East Africa. The meeting followed the participatory approach taken in the three previous phases of the exercise. Participants proposed implementation plan comprised of result oriented activities, and reinforced a call of commitment from regional and continental institutions to work together. The Workshop will enhance and strengthen capacity for all AFREC's Focal Points in the collection of data on Energy Balance and Energy Efficiency in Residential Sector from their countries, using AFREC standardised questionnaires.
Speaking during the opening session, AFREC Executive Director Mr Rashid Ali Abdallah underlined the necessity and importance to implement AFREC strategy on energy programmes. He also briefed the participants on the upcoming Training of Trainers (ToT) for energy statistics and efficiency which is planned to commence next year, targeting energy experts from AU member countries’ energy department/Ministries, to be prepared as trainers of others.
Mr. Crispen Zana, representative from Africa-EU Partnership (AEEP) stated that improving information data will advance actions towards the achievement of Agenda 2063 as well as Agenda 2030, especially SDG7. Whereas, Mrs. Roberta Quadrelli, International Energy Agency (IEA) expert emphasised IAE continued support to AFREC, and its commitment to improve and develop capacity building on data and policy in Africa on clean energy transition and security globally.
It is envisaged that the workshop will further provide an opportunity to reliable data which will inform good policies, decision making and its impact on the socio-economic development on the African continent.
Learn More: African Union
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