Addis Ababa, 10 September 2025 – At the 2nd Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), partners and stakeholders came together for a special UNIDO event to spotlight how energy efficiency can transform Africa’s industrial future. The session, titled “Scaling Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa: Accelerating Investments through the EELA Industry Clean-Tech Platform”, gathered policymakers, development partners, regional organizations, and private sector actors at the UNECA Pavilion of the Addis International Convention Center. 

Discussion centered on the Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) Program and its flagship initiative, the Industry Clean-Tech Platform (ICTP), a comprehensive gateway for energy efficiency innovation designed as a catalyst for advancing green industrialization and investments across the continent. 

A CALL TO ACTION FOR AFRICA’S INDUSTRIAL FUTURE 

Opening the discussion, Mr. Goddy Muhanguzi Muhumuza, Executive Director of EACREEE, reminded participants that Africa’s industries are growing rapidly and hold enormous potential for prosperity. Yet, he warned, this growth also brings challenges: rising energy demand, higher emissions, and reliance on outdated technologies. “If left unaddressed, these challenges could slow down our path towards Agenda 2063, compromise our Nationally Determined Contributions, and limit Africa’s competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy,” he said.

EELA Program Manager at UNIDO Ms. Karin Reiss-Haimbala built on this message by stressing that energy efficiency is not a luxury but a necessity. She described the ICTP as “a bridge that connects industries to cutting-edge solutions, facilitates technology transfer, and unlocks financing for climate-smart investments.” She also highlighted that the private sector has a central role to play, noting that “to achieve Africa’s industrial ambitions, we must create an enabling ecosystem that gives companies the confidence to invest in cleaner and more efficient technologies” 

SHOWCASING THE INDUSTRY CLEAN-TECH PLATFORM 

The ICTP, which is already being piloted in Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, was presented as an innovative “one-stop shop” for industries across Africa. Mr. Alaeldin Sayed Ali Mohamed, Associate Industrial Development Expert at UNIDO, explained how the platform supports industries by creating demand for low-carbon solutions, demonstrating new technologies, and mobilizing financing by reducing investment risks. He emphasized that these efforts are not only reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also strengthening industrial competitiveness and resilience. 

PERSPECTIVES FROM FINANCE, POLICY, AND INDUSTRY 

The event featured a lively panel discussion that brought together voices from government, finance, and regional representatives. Ms. Vera Obare of the Embassy of Sweden underscored the importance of public-private partnerships and stressed the need for financing models that can unlock private investment in clean technologies 

From the West African perspective, Ms. Monica Maduekwe of ECREEE highlighted how access to finance will be a decisive factor in scaling up energy efficiency and clean technology. She also pointed to the opportunities the ICTP could create for businesses and communities across the ECOWAS region. 

Furthermore, it was emphasized that the ICTP’s potential to stimulate local innovation, strengthen skills development, and create jobs. Replicating the platform’s successes across different industries and countries could ensure widespread impact. 

BUILDING MOMENTUM BEYOND PILOTS 

Closing the session, Mr. Dawit Alemu, Senior Technical Advisor at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Industry, reflected on the progress made and the opportunities ahead. He stressed that while the ICTP has been piloted in three countries, its real value lies in its potential as a continental blueprint and its upscaling potential. “We have seen how the EELA Programme is already demonstrating that energy efficiency is more than an environmental necessity, it is a driver of jobs, competitiveness, and lower costs for industries,” he said. “The tools are here, the models are working, and the partnerships are ready. What remains is for governments, businesses, and partners to act boldly and scale up for a green industrial future”

LOOKING AHEAD  

The discussions at ACS2 made clear that energy efficiency and low-carbon solutions are central to Africa’s vision of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth. By stimulating demand for clean technologies, supporting technology transfer and capacity-building, and mobilizing new financing, the EELA Industry Clean-Tech Platform is helping to position Africa’s industries at the forefront of green transformation. 

Participants agreed that the ICTP aligns strongly with Agenda 2063, NDC implementation, and the outcomes of the Africa Climate Summit. As support from governments, financiers, and development partners continues to grow, the platform is exploring pathways for future growth across the continent. 

As Africa charts its industrial future, programs like EELA with its ICTP are ensuring that the story of industrial growth is also a story of clean, inclusive, and climate-smart development.