Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) validation workshop

Abidjan, November 27, 2024 – The Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) programme reached a significant milestone with the successful validation of its Market Study and Intervention Strategy for the ECOWAS region. The workshop brought together representatives from ECOWAS Member States, UNIDO, ECREEE, and other key stakeholders to align on strategies for advancing energy efficiency across West Africa.

The EELA programme, funded by the Swedish government through SIDA and implemented by UNIDO in collaboration with ECREEE, aims to create market and institutional conditions that foster the transformation of the energy efficiency market in the ECOWAS region. Following its success in the EAC and SADC regions, EELA is now expanding to West Africa, with a focus on harmonizing policies, building institutional capacity, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Participants also discussed critical challenges, including the lack of regulatory frameworks, limited market surveillance, and insufficient awareness about energy-efficient products and services. The proposed intervention strategy emphasizes strengthening testing laboratories, promoting regional policy harmonization, and engaging private sector stakeholders to ensure the program’s success.

The workshop culminated in the formal adoption and validation of the document.