Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors has addressed a gathering on ‘Renewables Talk for IRENA Permanent Representatives’ in Abu Dhabi, where he spoke on the ongoing energy transformation in Africa.
Delivering his keynote address at the event, which was organised and co-hosted by the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, IRENA, and Women in Diplomacy, Ambassador Rashid Sesay described Africa as a continent with unmatched natural resources and immensely untapped potential, including rich renewable endowments, which, if effectively harnessed, could play a catalytical role in fostering efforts to move from fossils to renewables.
He said that over the past years, Africa had made steady and significant strides that aligned with the global call for the adoption of renewables as a reliable, affordable and sustainable source of energy, notably the establishment of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA), in addition to other initiatives that had been introduced by the African Union.
The Dean of the African Group also mentioned that APRA was established in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2023 by seven countries, including Sierra Leone, as a vehicle to mobilise finance, provide technical assistance and capacity building, and engage with the private sector. He described the bloc as a perfect example of collaboration and partnership among governments, the private sector and other key players in achieving tangible outcomes for the greater good of the African continent.
“Let me remind us all here that if the world is to achieve its renewable objectives, there must be equitable distribution and access to funding, particularly for smaller countries. To that end, I call on bigger countries, major global multilateral institutions, and financial agencies to support the individual and collective efforts of African countries to provide better livelihood opportunities for our people and save our planet from the many climate challenges we face today,” he ended.
Director General of IRENA, His Excellency Francesco La Camera, said that Africa was standing at a critical point in the energy transition as a region with immense potential and one faced with substantial challenges. He said IRENA recognised the potential in the continent and considered it their duty to ensure that all members effectively navigate energy transition and maximise benefits, adding that that was not only a matter of climate change but a matter of equality, fairness and inclusion.
Deputy National Coordinator of the Mattei Plan, Lorenzo Ortana, said that they were aligned closely to initiatives like the APRA and focused on sustainable energy cooperation on fostering a conducive environment for renewable energy investment, development and deployment across the continent. He said both the Mattei Plan and APRA aim to enhance energy access to promote inclusive economic growth.
