Praia, 5th October 2023 - The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Energy (MICE) and the International Trade Fair (FIC), officially launched the 8th edition of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum ESEF 2023 (ESEF2023), at a press conference at MICE in the city of Praia. ESEF2023 is scheduled to take place from the 12th to the 13th of October and will take place at the National Assembly of Cabo Verde. The launching was attended by the Minister of Energy of Cabo Verde, H. E. Eng. Alexandre Monteiro, the Executive Director of ECREEE, Mr. Jean Francis Sempore, the Managing Director of the Cabo Verde International Fair (FIC), Mrs. Angélica Fortes, and other delegates.

In his speech, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Energy, while commending ECREEE for the initiative, stated that the Forum indeed will serve to promote dialogue towards advancing the transition to clean Energy. According to the minister, ESEF 2023 and the Fair for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency to be held in the framework of the energy transition week, is a great opportunity to foster collaboration among key stakeholders and propel the uptake of initiatives and projects in the field of sustainable energy.

Mr. Sempore stated that ESEF 2023 will serve as a landmark towards consolidating the progress made in achieving the ECOWAS region's sustainable energy targets, open opportunities for investment, promote private sector engagement, accelerate the development of a viable regional electricity market, and present opportunities through dialogue on Green Hydrogen opportunities in the region. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Cabo Verde and other partners while expressing delight that ESEF 2023 will be organized as part of the Energy Transition Week in West Africa and in parallel with the 4th edition of the Cabo Verde International Exhibition of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (FIEREE) scheduled for October 12 to 14, 2023.

Mrs. Fortes said that the RE and EE International fair, has achieved a new milestone by attracting exhibitors from around the world. According to the director, the agenda of the Fair was planned to provide opportunities for exchange among key stakeholders from the private sector and from the government and foment business opportunities.

The event ended with engaging and insightful questions from the press about the benefits and organization of ESEF.