Sustainable Energy for All: a Conversation with Kandeh Yumkella

In the next episode of the FSR Conversations series, exceptionally hosted by Prof. Ignacio Perez-Arriaga (FSR, MIT), we will welcome Kandeh Yumkella, Sierra Leonean Agricultural economist, politician, and the former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for all, SE4ALL (Founding CEO).

Watch the recording:

Background

Agenda 2063 was adopted by the Heads of State and Governments of the African Union in 2015 and sets out a vision for “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena”. The ambitious vision is closely linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 that has targets to achieve universal access to energy, substantially increase the share of renewables as well as doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency all by 2030.

Africa’s Policy makers are today faced with the persistent lack of access to electricity and clean cooking as well as the growing unreliability of electricity supply. Building on previous Pan-African initiatives, Agenda 2063 sets out clear goals, implementation plans and targets alongside elements of accountability. Agenda 2063 emphasizes the need to support regional power pools and help transition towards modern sources of energy. Energy-related targets contained in the framework for the first ten years include increasing access to electricity by at least 50% compared to 2013 levels and increasing the efficiency of household energy use by at least 30% before 2023.

What should Africa be doing next and how can it join forces with other countries to achieve its long-term goals? 

This online event will focus on the experience in mobilizing the Sustainable Energy for All initiative globally and the present priorities for Africa.

Among the topics which will be discussed:

• The role and creation of SE4All. What are the current challenges? What has been accomplished?
• The energy sector in Africa and the cooperation between Africa and the EU. What should be the priorities?
• Capacity building in energy regulation in Africa. Needs, challenges, opportunities.