Updates on the Rio+20 Summit

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 20 June 2012 – effective implementation of sustainable energy solution is crucial for Africa’s successful long-term social and economic development, participants agreed on the high-level panel convened to ensure that Africa’s renewable energy potential is kept high on the political agenda.

Organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in the framework of Rio+20, the high level event was held today 20 June 2012, in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. It was attended by H.E Elham Mahmoud Ibrahim, Commissioner for Infrustructure and Energy at the AU Commission; African Ministers; civil socity organizations; International organizations; and development partners, among others.  
 
Adressing participants the Commissiner highlighted the significant role of the African Union Commission on the infrustructure and energy  sector. In February 2009 African Union Assembly of Heads of States and Government dicided to:“develop renewable energy resources in order to provide clean, reliable, affordable and environmental friendly energy,” (Assembly/ AU/Decl.9-XII), she recalled.
 

Underlining renewable energy as a key factor for Africa’s sustainable development, and the fact that a huge gap has been registered using energy production, she called up on African countries, Governments and concerned organization to work together for the development of Africa’s reneweble energy resources.

Mrs. Elham furthur higlighted the following issues as a means of achiving Africa’s  renewable energy: giving priority for renewable energy projects, allocation of sufficent budget, technology
Ethiopia