The African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, H.E Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid recognized the progress made in the energy sector since the last STC meeting in Cairo. She noted that COVID-19 has posed serious challenges to the sector and implementation of various plans around the continent, but the Commission had marshalled efforts together with partners to ensure the sector remains robust and contributes to recovery.

The Commissioner emphasized that “Significant mobilization and coordination strides are required to effectively engage stakeholders in addressing the key barriers to energy sector development on the continent including policy, regulatory, technical, financing and market barriers”, while also calling on stakeholders to double efforts to accelerate energy development in the continent.

The establishment and operationalization of the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) was also discussed where the Policy Paper and Roadmap prepared and validated by the AUC in partnership with the European Union, Member States and stakeholders was presented.

AfSEM is expected to be launched in February next year during the African Union Assembly of the Heads of State and Government. AfSEM’s first phase is projected to be achieved as early as 2023 and full operation is anticipated to be reached by 2040