Rashid Ali Abdallah, Executive Director of the African Energy Commission, will drive discussions at African Energy Week 2023 on the role of energy policies and sustainability.
Africa’s energy sector is at a critical juncture. As global pressures mount to transition to a cleaner energy future, countries across the continent are calling for increased investments in oil and gas to make energy poverty history. In this context, the African Energy Commission (AFREC) becomes increasingly important. As a continental specialized energy agency of the African Union (AU), AFREC is tasked with coordinating, harmonizing, protecting, developing and integrating energy resources across the continent. As such, the organization plays an instrumental part in balancing Africa’s energy security and transition objectives, engaging with governments and aligning policy with progress.
This year, AFREC Executive Director Rashid Ali Abdallah will speak at the biggest energy event on the African continent, African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 – scheduled for October 16-20 in Cape Town. Abdallah’s participation is both a testament to his dedication to promoting Africa’s energy narrative and his commitment to the African energy renaissance. During the event, Abdallah will participate in various panel discussions and governmental forums aimed at strengthening Africa’s position on global energy matters. From enabling environments to climate friendly investments to development strategies and intra-African collaboration, Abdallah will advance AEW 2023 discussions while charting a way forward for the continent.
With over 22 years of experience in the energy field at the national, regional and continental levels, Abdallah brings invaluable insights to AEW 2023. Under Abdallah’s leadership, AFREC has spearheaded initiatives to support Africa’s energy sector transformation. This includes the development of policies to attract investments and align with AU Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals, and climate commitments. Notably, Abdallah previously headed the Energy Division at the AU, which underscores his extensive experience and commitment to shaping Africa’s energy landscape.
As a regionally focused energy agency of the AU, operating under the Commission for Infrastructure and Energy, AFREC’s mission, endorsed by African Heads of State and Governments in 2001, is to lead the development of energy policies and programs, create and continuously update African energy statistics, mobilize technical and financial support for Member States, and implement capacity-building programs. AFREC excels in a wide array of energy domains, including energy database collection, energy efficiency and statistics, bioenergy, energy transition and oil and gas. Additionally, the organization specializes in energy information systems, energy research and development and policy formulation, a testament to AFREC’s valuable role as a bridge between countries continent-wide.
In the oil and gas field, AFREC is implementing a transformative program to promote self-sustainability and growth in Africa’s energy industry. The program aims to establish an African domestic market, facilitating cross-border trade and enhancing regional energy security. AFREC is also reviewing and strengthening existing policies to attract investments, encourage innovation, and drive economic growth. The program also focuses on expanding refinery production capacity, reducing dependency on external sources, creating jobs, and bolstering energy security.
Meanwhile, focusing on capacity-building in the energy sector, AFREC, in partnership with the National Energy Administration of the PRC (NEA), offeres training as part of the AU-China Energy Partnership, with a focus on large-scale PV power plants and “PV+Model” (the hybrid power system of PV and other energy technologies). As Africa boasts substantial solar potential, initiatives like these are imperative for upskilling young Africans in Africa’s energy transition landscape.
Given this comprehensive expertise, Abdallah emerges as the perfect candidate to address the audience at AEW 2023. His insights into these specialized areas hold immense value for attendees, offering invaluable insights and exciting collaboration opportunities for all interested parties. At the cusp of his expertise is resource integration. Representing AFREC, Abdallah is the best candidate to bridge the gap between various sectors of Africa’s energy industry, promoting integration above competition.
“AFREC’s rigorous policy review and strengthening efforts are designed to attract investments, stimulate innovation, and fuel economic growth. The program also places a strong emphasis on expanding refinery production capacity, reducing external dependency, generating employment opportunities, and fortifying energy security. As such, AFREC continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of Africa’s energy sector,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC).
At AEW 2023, Abdallah will share insights gained through the development of Africa’s energy policies, providing attendees with essential lessons for navigating the continent’s dynamic energy landscape.
AEW is the AEC’s annual conference, exhibition, and networking event. AEW 2023 will unite African energy policymakers and stakeholders with global investors to discuss and maximize opportunities within the continent’s entire energy industry. For more information about AEW 2023, visit https://aecweek.com.
