Yesterday, global leaders including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, and distinguished ministers gathered at a high-profile event focused on accelerating Africa’s green industrialization. The session, co-hosted by the Accelerated Partnership for Africa (APRA) and the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative (AGII), aimed to advance renewable energy as a pathway to sustainable development across the continent.
Representing Sierra Leone, Hon. Kandeh Yumkella stood on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio to present the country’s Just and Inclusive Energy Transition and Green Growth Plan, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming Sierra Leone’s energy sector. Officially launched at the CRET 2024 National Dialogue, the plan outlines a comprehensive strategy for transitioning to renewable energy while fostering equitable economic growth. According to Yumkella, Sierra Leone’s approach prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring rural and marginalized communities gain access to clean, affordable energy.
The event centered on bolstering Africa’s “green momentum” through the development of renewable energy, with leaders emphasizing Africa’s unique opportunity to lead global green industrialization efforts. UN Secretary-General Guterres applauded Africa’s commitment to clean energy but cautioned that substantial global support is essential for scalable progress. Prime Minister Frederiksen echoed these sentiments, underscoring Denmark’s support for African-led initiatives.
Key topics included financing green energy infrastructure, establishing resilient energy grids, and leveraging Africa’s abundant renewable resources—specifically solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Leaders also explored strategies to tackle the continent’s energy poverty, which affects more than 600 million Africans.
The forum concluded with a collective call for strengthened international partnerships, dedicated funding, and policy innovation to fuel Africa’s transition toward a sustainable, green economy.
