28 June 2010: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) hosted a side-event titled “Fostering a Green Economy Transformation in Africa” at the 13th session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), which convened from 20-25 June in Bamako, Mali. Initiatives to achieve green economy transformation in South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda were presented.

The event provided a platform for ministers and delegates to share experiences on Green Economy initiatives. According to UNEP, many governments are allocating portions of their fiscal stimulus to green economic sectors, including renewable energies and energy efficiency improvements, sustainable agriculture, and improved water and waste management.

At the event, UNEP announced the upcoming launch of a new initiative on Green Economy and Social and Environmental Entrepreneurship Development in Africa, with funding from the EU. The initative will support a transition to a green economy and promote social and environmental entrepreneurship in Africa, through collaboration with African Governments and regional organizations.

Also at the event, the 2010 SEED Awards for entrepreneurship in sustainable development were launched. With funding from the EU, the SEED Awards will particularly focus on Africa, with 20 awards available for social and environmental entrepreneurs in Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Senegal, and up to ten awards in South Africa. [UNEP Press Release] [Climate Change Policy & Practice Story on the 13th Session of the AMCEN] [SEED Initiative Website]