The First Forum on Renewable Energy (FoDER) brought together over 150 participants in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to learn about renewable energy's potential in the country and attract private investors to the sector.
The DRC is preparing to develop a Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) Action Agenda and Investment Prospectus, with the support of the SE4ALL Africa Hub.
21 November 2014: The First Forum on Renewable Energy (FoDER) brought together over 150 participants in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to learn about renewable energy’s potential in the country and attract private investors to the sector. The DRC is preparing to develop a Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) Action Agenda and Investment Prospectus, with the support of the SE4ALL Africa Hub.
Speaking at the event, the DRC’s Minister of Hydro Resources and Electricity, Bruno Kapandji Kalala, said the DRC has regularly increased its gross domestic product (GDP) but stressed that the country’s “main concern is how to ensure that this growth benefits all Congolese.” He highlighted the importance of working towards the SE4ALL goals, saying, “improving energy access in rural areas where 55 million or two thirds of the Congolese population live is of critical importance.” He added that the DRC hopes to provide electricity to rural areas as well as “transform villages and lifestyles by providing access to renewable energy sources.”
At the request of the DRC, the SE4ALL Africa Hub, which is hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB), will assist the DRC to create an Action Agenda and Investment Prospectus. The DRC is the first central African country to begin this process.
The Action Agenda will serve as an overall policy framework for the country as it seeks to meet SE4ALL’s three objectives by 2030: universal energy access, doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvement and doubling the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix.
In addition to high-level representatives of all DRC provinces, the South Africa Deputy Minister of Energy, several national DRC Ministers, development partners, the private sector and civil society participated in the Forum, which was organized by the Government of the DRC, UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Development Organization of the Netherlands (SNV) with the SE4ALL Africa Hub. The Forum took place from 20-21 November 2014. [AfDB Press Release] [SE4ALL Africa Hub]