AU and IEA Forge Stronger Ties to Accelerate Africa’s Energy Transition in Africa.
By Raymond Enoch
In a significant stride towards sustainable energy development, the African Union (AU) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have reinforced their collaboration to expedite Africa’s energy transition. This partnership aims to enhance energy access, promote energy efficiency, and support a just energy transition across the continent.
During a bilateral meeting in Paris, H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, Commissioner for Infrastructure & Energy at the AU, and Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, discussed strategic initiatives to deepen their cooperation. The discussions highlighted the importance of aligning energy policies with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the AU’s blueprint for socio-economic transformation.
The partnership aims to enhance data systems to support national energy planning, ensuring that energy policies are informed by accurate and up-to-date information.
Emphasis will be placed on transitions that promote access, equity, and resilience, ensuring that all communities benefit from the energy transition.
The collaboration seeks to harness innovation in energy efficiency, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence to drive the energy transition.
The AU and IEA will work together to ensure that African priorities are reflected in global energy dialogues, particularly during South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
Future initiatives include launching an AU–IEA Green Hydrogen Task Force, co-hosting an Africa–IEA Investment Summit, expanding the IEA Open Data Platform to AU Member States, and exploring an AU–IEA Energy Innovation Hub in Addis Ababa.
This strengthened partnership underscores the AU’s commitment to achieving sustainable energy for all Africans, aligning with the goals of Agenda 2063 and the African Energy Commission’s initiatives. By focusing on data-driven policies, inclusive transitions, and innovative solutions, the AU and IEA aim to overcome the continent’s energy challenges and pave the way for a sustainable energy future.
The collaboration also highlights the importance of international partnerships in addressing global energy issues, with both organizations working towards a common goal of ensuring that no one is left behind in the global energy transition.
As Africa continues to face energy access challenges, this partnership represents a pivotal step towards achieving universal energy access and a sustainable energy future for the continent.
