Kenyan President William Ruto opened the 25th edition of the African Energy Forum on Tuesday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, which brings together key policymakers, industry executives, investors, researchers and innovators to discuss energy security in Africa.
Mr. Ruto called on delegates to increase the adoption of clean energy sources to secure a greener, more prosperous, and more resilient future for Africa.
To this end, Mr. Ruto emphasized the need to make optimal use of the continent’s vast sources of renewable energy, such as hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, and wind power.
He added that by investing in cross-border energy projects, African countries will bridge the access gap that has stifled industrialization, poverty alleviation, and social cohesion.
Held in Nairobi from 20 to 23 June under the theme “Africa for Africa”, the forum will bring together more than 3,000 delegates, including ministers, heads of electricity companies, regulatory authorities, multilateral lending institutions, and investors.
The forum will also focus on strategic themes including increasing the uptake of renewable energy, removing barriers to the green transition, and positioning Africa as a hydrogen powerhouse.
In this context, Davis Chirchir, Kenya’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum, said that Africa’s main energy meeting would aim to discuss targeted financing as well as the policy and regulatory incentives needed to strengthen environmentally-friendly lighting and cooking methods in line with the continent’s goal of zero net emissions.