AFREC to Host Africa’s First Continental Energy Efficiency Conference in Addis Ababa

Illustrative Image: AFREC to Host Africa’s First Continental Energy Efficiency Conference in Addis Ababa
Image Source & Credit: AFREC
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The African Energy Commission (AFREC) has announced the launch of the first-ever African Energy Efficiency Conference (AfEEC), scheduled to take place on 10–11 December 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This landmark event will be held under the framework of the newly established African Energy Efficiency Alliance (AfEEA)—a continental initiative unveiled during COP29 to accelerate energy efficiency actions across Africa.

The conference will serve as a continental platform dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a key driver of economic transformation, sustainable development, and climate resilience. It aims to foster high-level dialogue, knowledge exchange, and investment opportunities to help African countries transition toward a cleaner, more efficient, and inclusive energy future.

Pre-Conference Training and Alliance Launch

Ahead of the main conference, specialized capacity-building sessions will take place from 8 to 9 December 2025, equipping policymakers, energy practitioners, and private-sector actors with technical and policy tools to implement energy efficiency programs effectively. During the event, AFREC will also officially operationalize the African Energy Efficiency Alliance (AfEEA)—a collaborative platform bringing together governments, development partners, financiers, businesses, and civil society organizations.

The Alliance’s core mission is to strengthen knowledge sharing, coordinate advocacy, and mobilize investments that will fast-track the adoption of energy-efficient solutions across the continent.

“Energy efficiency is Africa’s primary resource for sustainable development. It lowers emissions, cuts costs, and drives inclusive growth,”
said Mr. Rashid Ali Abdallah, Executive Director of AFREC.
“This conference will bring together the partnerships, expertise, and funding Africa requires to meet its energy efficiency targets.”

Addressing Africa’s Dual Energy Challenge

Africa faces a complex and urgent energy paradox: the need to expand access to modern, affordable, and reliable energy while simultaneously reducing emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

• Nearly 600 million Africans still live without access to electricity.

• Around one billion people continue to rely on polluting fuels for cooking.
  At the same time, rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrialization are driving up energy demand, making efficiency a critical solution.

Energy efficiency—often described as the “first fuel”—refers to using less energy to deliver the same level of service. It helps stretch existing energy resources further, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthens energy security. For Africa, efficiency offers a cost-effective, fast-track pathway to achieving universal energy access and climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Aligning with the African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan

The upcoming conference follows the adoption of the African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan (AfEES), endorsed earlier this year by the African Union Executive Council.
AfEES outlines over 100 actionable measures across sectors, including power generation, industry, transport, buildings, and agriculture. The plan sets ambitious targets to boost Africa’s energy productivity by 50% by 2050 and by 70% by 2063, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Key Features of AfEEC 2025

The two-day event will convene African Ministers, international partners, private sector leaders, and technical experts in a diverse program featuring:

• Ministerial panels on policy leadership and regional cooperation

• Technical sessions on innovative technologies and sectoral solutions

• An investment forum to unlock financing for energy efficiency projects

• Exhibitions and networking events showcasing tools, data systems, and partnerships that can accelerate implementation on the ground

The conference is expected to generate collaborative frameworks, investment pledges, and policy commitments that will empower African nations to scale up energy efficiency as a cornerstone of their energy transitions.

Call for Participation

AFREC is inviting stakeholders, partners, and institutions across Africa’s energy ecosystem to take part in shaping this historic event and to contribute to a continent-wide movement for efficiency-driven growth.

For details on registration and participation, please visit:
👉 https://afeea.au-afrec.org/register-attend

About AFREC

The African Energy Commission (AFREC) is a specialized agency of the African Union (AU) mandated to coordinate, harmonize, and promote energy policy development and implementation across the continent. AFREC’s mission is to advance sustainable energy development through capacity building, data and information systems, policy harmonization, and strategic partnerships with AU member states and global stakeholders.