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The African Energy Commission (AFREC) will host the inaugural African Energy Efficiency Conference (AfEEC) on 10–11 December 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the framework of the African Energy Efficiency Alliance launched at COP29.
Zambia Monitor has been listed as the only media house in Southern Africa to provide official coverage of the event, which will serve as a premier platform to advance energy efficiency as a catalyst for economic growth, sustainable development and climate action across Africa.
The conference, preceded by specialised training sessions on 8–9 December, will see the formal operationalisation of the African Energy Efficiency Alliance, a collaborative platform bringing together governments, development partners, financiers, businesses and civil society to fast-track knowledge sharing, advocacy and investment in Africa.
It will convene African ministers, international partners, business leaders and technical experts, with an agenda featuring ministerial panels, technical sessions, an investment forum, technology showcases and networking events.
The event offers a unique opportunity to assess progress toward the continental objective of enhancing energy productivity by 50 percent by 2050 and 70 percent by 2063.
It also aims to mobilise technical and financial support, strengthen partnerships for implementing energy efficiency programmes and facilitate the exchange of experiences and outcomes from ongoing initiatives across Africa.
This forms part of Africa’s commitment to the pledge made at COP28 to double energy efficiency improvements and triple renewables by 2030.
Speaking ahead of the conference, AFREC Executive Director, Rashid Ali Abdallah said Africa faces a dual challenge: ensuring universal access to modern energy while tackling the climate crisis.
“Energy efficiency is Africa’s primary resource for sustainable development. It lowers emissions, cuts costs, and drives inclusive growth.
This conference will bring together the partnerships, expertise, and funding Africa requires to meet its energy efficiency targets,” Abdallah said.
He noted that nearly 600 million people remained without electricity and close to one billion still lack access to clean cooking services.
Population growth, rapid urbanisation and industrialisation are adding further pressure on demand.
“The African Energy Efficiency Conference follows the adoption of the African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan (AfEES), endorsed by the African Union Executive Council earlier this year,” he said.
Abdallah stated that the AfEES outlines more than 100 actions across the power, industry, transport, buildings and agriculture sectors, setting Africa on track to improve energy productivity by 50 percent by 2050 and 70 percent by 2063. He said this was expected to drive collaboration and concrete commitments toward Africa’s clean energy future.
AFREC has called on stakeholders and partners in the energy sector to support the conference and help advance energy efficiency initiatives across the continent.
The AfEEC is being organised under the African Energy Efficiency Alliance, a collaborative platform adopted by African Heads of State and Government during the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council. It brings together global stakeholders working on energy efficiency in Africa.
“This is to promote the sharing of knowledge and experiences on energy efficiency in Africa, strengthen advocacy and awareness, support research and development, facilitate technology transfer and mobilise financing and investments for energy efficiency programmes,” Abdallah said.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy, Dr. Ing. Habtamu Itefa, said the inaugural conference was more than a meeting—it is a platform for collaboration, innovation and shared ambition.
“On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia and the Ministry of Water and Energy, I extend our warmest greetings to ministers, policymakers, experts, development partners, private sector representatives, and all distinguished participants joining us for this landmark gathering,” Itefa said, adding that the conference marked a pivotal moment in Africa’s energy journey.
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As the continent confronts rising energy demand and the impacts of climate change, he said energy efficiency remained one of the most powerful tools to transform energy systems and drive economic growth.
“By optimising how we generate, distribute and consume energy, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance reliability, and create more resilient and inclusive energy systems,” he said.
Itefa noted that the conference will bring together governments, regional organisations, development institutions, the private sector and civil society to exchange knowledge, showcase best practices and identify opportunities for joint action.
“Most importantly, it is a space where we, as a continent, strengthen our collective resolve to double energy efficiency by 2030 and meet the aspirations of Agenda 2063,” he said.
He added that the discussions and partnerships formed should help accelerate implementation of the African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan and operationalise the African Energy Efficiency Alliance, translating political commitments into impactful programmes on the ground.
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