Closing of the 8th edition of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum
Praia, October 13, 2023 - The second and final day of the 8th edition of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF 2023) was marked by crucial moments, consolidating its position as an essential platform for dialogue for the key national, regional and international players in West Africa's energy sector.
The Forum was also an opportunity to honor institutions that have played a key role in the development of renewable energies and energy efficiency with the ESEF 2023 Awards. These awards recognize the commitment and efforts made to build a more sustainable future through initiatives and innovations promoting sustainable energy in West Africa.
His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Cabo Verde, Dr. Ulisses Correia e Silva, welcomed the holding of ESEF for the first time in Cabo Verde, remarking that ESEF constitutes a privileged platform in the ECOWAS region to accelerate the production of clean energy in West Africa.
The 8th edition of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum provided a unique forum for the discussion of important issues, highlighting topics such as the participation of women and youth in the clean energy sector in West Africa, energy efficiency in buildings, water-energy-food-land integration for prosperity and climate resilience, as well as the opportunities and challenges linked to green financing for the energy transition in the ECOWAS region.
According to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Alieu Omar Toure, the Forum is truly "a reference platform to discuss the role of renewable energies and energy efficiency as a catalyst for sustainable energy in the ECOWAS region. These days of debate and interaction will stimulate the sharing of ideas, projects, and initiatives aimed at promoting more responsible energy use and contributing to a more sustainable future. The Forum also reinforces the willingness and motivation of the ECOWAS Commission to collaborate with all governments and partners".
With close to 500 participants from ECOWAS member states, Africa, and around the world, the Forum featured renowned speakers, including representatives from governments, international organizations, the private sector, industry, and experts in the field of sustainable energy.
According to the Executive Director of ECREEE, Mr. Francis Sempore, ESEF 2023 was a unique opportunity to discuss and define strategies for promoting a Just Energy Transition in ECOWAS member states.
The ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum proved to be yet again a catalyst for debate, collaboration and innovation to promote the growth of the sustainable energy sector in West Africa, thus playing a crucial role in improving the living conditions of the region's populations, particularly rural populations, and in enhancing the competitiveness of businesses and industries in West Africa.
