Energy efficiency is one of the quickest and most effective pathways to universal energy access for Africa, as it reduces demand, improves affordability and unlocks socioeconomic opportunities, and Africa must shift decisively from dialogue to implementation, the South African National Energy Development Institute (Sanedi) states.

It points out that African Union (AU) Commission infrastructure and energy commissioner Lerato Mataboge stated during the Energy Efficiency Conference held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on December 10 to 11, that the continent faced rising energy demand, affordability pressures and climate risks.

She added then that energy efficiency was one of the fastest, most affordable and impactful solutions for inclusive growth and universal energy access.

The conference brought together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders and technical experts from across Africa to move energy efficiency from policy aspiration to practical implementation.

A panel of energy and electricity ministers unpacked the newly launched African Energy Efficiency Facility (AEEF) for attendees. This is a G20 initiative that is designed to unlock financing, strengthen institutions and accelerate scalable energy efficiency investments across African States. A workshop on the AEEF was also held to provide more information.

Further, the AU’s focus was on building strong institutions, securing sustainable funding and delivering tangible progress across the continent, Mataboge said.

It was strategically important for African countries to support local appliance manufacturers, as countries must move from being passive consumers to active producers with competitive industries.

Strengthening local value chains was critical for resilience, economic growth and long-term energy sovereignty, she said.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré delivered a keynote address in which she reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation, aligning policy, and investing in energy efficiency as part of a just and sustainable energy transition, said Sanedi.

Other experts and officials from Sanedi and the Department of Electricity and Energy also participated in discussions.

Specifically, Sanedi experts contributed to the review and validation of handbooks on Minimum Energy Performance Standards for lighting, refrigerants, air conditioners and electric motors.

These handbooks, which will be published this year, will guide African States in developing more stringent regulations and harmonised standards, and serve as critical tools to curb substandard technology dumping and protect African markets and consumers, it said.

Further, a panel discussion on appliance energy efficiency as a driver of economic growth, energy security and climate resilience pointed out that appliances accounted for a significant share of global emissions, yet efficient appliances remained among the most cost-effective solutions to reduce energy demand and expand access.

Sanedi Energy Efficiency Programme energy and environment project manager Ashanti Mbanga, during the panel discussion, highlighted South Africa's use of minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) as a model that helped lower household energy costs, stabilised demand and supported a just energy transition.

Additionally, regional harmonisation, market surveillance and innovative financing are needed to accelerate the uptake of efficient appliances across Africa.

Sanedi energy efficiency and demand side management GM Faith Mkhacwa also emphasised the role of MEPS in easing the imbalance between household incomes and energy costs to ensure that vulnerable households benefited from more efficient appliances.

Separately, Sanedi Energy Efficiency Project Support Unit energy efficiency and demand side management project manager Ngoanathari Maja said the public sector had a critical role to play in leading by example to mainstream energy efficiency and resilient buildings across the continent.

When governments championed efficiency, resilience and innovation, meaningful transformation followed, she said.