ESEF 2022: Stakeholders Describe Meeting As ‘Huge Success’

…Cape Verde to host 2023 edition

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Stakeholders at the just-concluded ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF) 2022 have described the far-reaching decision taken on improving the power generation in the West African sub-region as “a huge success”.

ESEF, the region’s premier energy event, which is in its seventh year, was established in 2015 by the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) to support investment in sustainable energy anchored by strong policy initiatives of ECOWAS member states.

The forum brought various stakeholders from governments, international agencies and the private sector, NGOs and INGOs. The forum was hosted for the first time in Abuja capital of Nigeria and home to the ECOWAS Commission. The forum recorded huge success in terms of the issues discussed and the attendance registered and it was described by many as the “best ESEF to date”. 

For two days, the forum provided a platform for different stakeholders to get more engaged on sustainable energy issues, as different topics were deeply discussed with well-versed panellists, such as policy development to foster a favourable environment for energy transition, green hydrogen as a driver for energy transition and a potential game changer for economic growth in West Africa, the development of a regional solar off-grid market, electric mobility, among other key issues for the ECOWAS region. More than 400 participants took part in the event in person and hundreds more joined the live stream. 

The ESEF 2022 witnessed an increase in participation and got a commitment from member states, donor partners, and technical partners with the hope of increasing ECOWAS citizens’ access to energy. 

The executive director, ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), Mr. Francis Sempore said: “ESEF 2022 went very well. We even exceeded our expectations in terms of attendance. We appreciate the Nigerian government and people for their hospitality.

“During this event, we were able to get commitment from our partners and we also made commitments to partners to increase our energy access and increase our efforts, so [that] we can achieve our objectives in terms of energy access. Working with ECOWAS member states working with donor partners and technical partners, so that we can make access to energy a reality for the citizens of ECOWAS.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu said the meeting brought greater friendship between citizens of ECOWAS, as “ECOWAS citizens have been able to come together under ESEF to show friendship that we so much cherish and I can see it on your faces that you are happy.” 

The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy, Engr. Alexandre Monteir, who also was present at the forum expressed great satisfaction with hosting the next edition in 2023. “Cabo Verde is honoured to host the next edition of the forum and I invite the delegations here present to go there and enjoy the country. I am certain that you will love the music, the food, beautiful beaches and you will be warmly received through our well-known Morabeza, which is the art to receive visitors”.

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