|
Geothermal, hydro and bioenergy projects are being launched, and intercontinental electricity markets are being developed
|
 A host of energy development initiatives designed to increase energy access and improve livelihoods are coming online across Africa and are scheduled to be showcased at Africa Oil Week (Africa-OilWeek.com) 2021 in November in Dubai – a temporary move for this major annual event as a COVID-19 precaution, ahead of its scheduled return “home” to its usual venue in Cape Town South Africa from 2022. Geothermal, hydro and bioenergy projects are being launched, and intercontinental electricity markets are being developed. Their impact will further human development and enhance economic prospects throughout the continent. The African Union (AU) is behind much of this growth; its Agenda 2063 includes plans to transform Africa into the global powerhouse of the future. A specialised agency of the AU, the African Energy Commission (AFREC), has been mandated to co-ordinate energy policy in Africa, and is working with the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries to address energy poverty, climate change and other energy challenges. Energy transition “As partners, we should start looking at opportunities that will diversify the available energy resources, take advantage of renewable resources, and reduce dependence on oil as part of the continent’s energy transition, while simultaneously augmenting our approaches,” says Rashid Ali Abdallah, AFREC’s Executive Director. Other initiatives to increase access to energy include the launch of the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), the world’s largest continent-wide energy trading programme. AfSEM promises to be the most cost-efficient response to the growing demand for electricity in Africa. It aims to connect all 55 AU member states through an efficient, affordable and sustainable electricity market that will serve the needs of over 1.3 billion Africans. Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), has called on AU member states to integrate AfSEM into their national development plans. “It is important that AU member states take ownership for the development and implementation of these continental initiatives,” she says. “This is necessary to ensure access to reliable energy services, as well as to provide the necessary policy and financial instruments for one continental electricity market and one continental interconnection grid at all levels.” The AUC’s Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Her Excellency, Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, has confirmed her attendance at AOW 2021. EU, China support The partners and investors behind these developments include the likes of the European Union (EU) and China. While the EU supported the preparation of the AfSEM policy paper, roadmap and governing structure, China is continuing to invest in and provide loans for various energy infrastructure projects, including extractive activities, power generation facilities, traditional and renewable energy sources, and transmission and distribution networks. In 2020, Chinese-owned companies and banks spent billions of dollars financing African energy infrastructure projects, including a gas pipeline in Nigeria, and other smaller projects in Lesotho, the Ivory Coast and Rwanda. These activities combined are set to transform energy in Africa, and will have a beneficial ripple effect beyond this sector and into a host of socio-economic areas. As the continent continues this journey, further strategic, technical and financial support will be critical. |
![The signing ceremony took place in Kisumu, with Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o representing the county government and UN-Habitat Executive Director in Kenya, Anaclaudia Rossbach, signing on behalf of the UN agency. Under the agreement, both parties commit to jointly implementing the housing upgrade project, which Governor Nyong’o said will primarily target vulnerable groups. “The PINUA programme [is] designed to benefit the most vulnerable members of the community,” Nyong’o said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable neighborhoods equipped with essential services. Beginning November 1, 2025, the county government, working with UN-Habitat, will launch pilot projects in Kibuye Estate and Muhoroni Sub-County, based on designs and models developed through extensive public participation. The programme will focus on upgrading informal settlements by providing essential social infrastructure such as schools, sanitation facilities, affordable rental housing, early childhood development centres, and public open spaces. It also supports incremental housing models, allowing families to progressively build and eventually own decent homes. Rossbach emphasized UN-Habitat’s global commitment to driving transformative change in urban areas: “This partnership is crucial in advancing our new strategy, which focuses on improving housing access and digitally transforming informal settlements for everyone.” According to UN-Habitat housing architect Fred Omenya, the pilot phase will begin in January 2026 with the construction of two blocks of 24 housing units in Kibuye Estate.](https://businessinsights.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/About-us-still-25957706200_7ca2db7e5e_k-80x60.jpg "Kisumu, UN-Habitat sign Ksh2.7bn deal for social housing upgrade")
