The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), has officially launched the Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) Programme at the Sweden House in Vienna. The €20 million initiative aims to enhance energy efficiency across Africa’s industrial sector, fostering sustainable economic growth and climate resilience.

The event, hosted by Annika Lisa Markovic, Sweden’s Ambassador to UNIDO, brought together high-level representatives, including Gerd Müller, UNIDO’s Director General; Rana Ghoneim, Chief of UNIDO’s Energy and Climate Action Division; Karin Reiss-Haimbala, EELA Programme Manager; and Benson Munyaradzi, Chief Director at Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Energy and Power Development. Representatives from Swedish Power Africa, Sida, and the Swedish Energy Agency also attended.

Expanding Energy Efficiency Across Africa

Building on the EELA Project, which has been operational since 2019 in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) regions, the newly expanded EELA Programme now extends to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The programme introduces broader energy efficiency interventions, reinforcing UNIDO’s commitment to regional and continental industrial transformation through sustainable energy solutions.

Aligned with major international frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the African Union Industrialization Strategy, and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, the EELA Programme aims to reduce environmental impact, create green jobs, and promote gender-inclusive economic development.

Innovative Industrial Clean-Tech Platform Launched

One of the key initiatives introduced at the launch event was the Industrial Clean-Tech Platform (ICTP), a digital infrastructure designed to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. The platform, hosted by partnering manufacturing associations, will provide African industries with:

• Access to advanced clean technologies at competitive prices

• Investment planning tools

• Catalytic grants to support technology adoption and private sector collaboration

Sweden’s Strong Commitment to Energy Efficiency in Africa

Speaking at the event, Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO, highlighted the critical role of energy efficiency in driving industrial competitiveness and economic resilience in Africa.

“Energy is the basic foundation of development. Without energy, there is no industrialization, no economy, no jobs. Too many industrial appliances in Africa are outdated and inefficient, leading to high energy costs and limiting competitiveness,” Müller stated.

He thanked the Government of Sweden and Sida for their significant support, noting that the €20 million EELA Programme marks the largest technical cooperation contribution UNIDO has ever received from Sweden.

Ambassador Annika Lisa Markovic reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment, emphasizing that EELA aims to accelerate economic growth by bridging partnerships between governments, the private sector, and key organizations. She stated:

“This programme will enhance African industries’ access to sustainable, high-tech solutions from Sweden, Europe, and beyond—helping businesses position themselves competitively in both domestic and international markets.”

With its expanded scope and strengthened partnerships, the EELA Programme is poised to drive energy-efficient industrialization in Africa, fostering sustainable livelihoods and economic transformation across the continent.