Workshop - Risk Mitigation in Renewable Energy Investments in Africa

A workshop on Risk Mitigation in Renewable Energy Investments in Africa will take place on January 29 – 30, 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Although US President Donald Trump has called Africa a "shithouse", the facts dispute his characterization, particularly as it relates to another topic he dislikes, renewable energy.

Africa is an ideal location for solar, wind, and geothermal. It is the sunniest continent on Earth and has a large coastline, where wind power and wave power are abundant. Geothermal power has the potential to provide considerable amounts of energy in many eastern African nations due to a 5,900-kilometer rift.

Event - Wind Energy Summit

The 2nd annual Wind Energy Summit will take place on April 16th and 17th in Cape Town South Africa, one of the world’s most exciting new hubs for wind energy in the world. This is the number one commercially based wind energy summit in South Africa. Come and listen to 2015’s most qualified wind energy experts speak about how to implement the financial and legislative changes which will continue to drive industry success into the future.

African Renewable Energy Alliance (AREA)

The African Renewable Energy Alliance, or AREA, is focused on expanding research, development and use of renewable energy throughout Africa. This organization is composed of utility companies, industries, policy makers, and civil society members.

This organization facilitates the exchange of information on new technologies as well as workable funding mechanisms for renewable energy. Ultimately AREA expedites renewable energy production in Africa.

African Renewable Energy Fund (AREF)

A new fund is bringing renewable energy funding to Africa. Developing renewable energy takes resources and this is hard to come by in much of the developing world.

The African Renewable Energy Fund (AREF) was established was launched in June 2014 with $100 million and it is expected to climb to $200 million within a year. The fund dedicated to supporting small to medium independent power producers (IPPs).

Celebrating Renewables on Africa Industrialization Day

There is no better time to review the future of renewable energy on the dark continent than on Africa Industrialization Day which is celebrated every year on November 20. This day is meant to draw attention to the ways of stimulating industry on the continent. With 30 of the world's 50 least development nations located in Africa, there are few places more in need of such attention. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) plays an important role promoting the day and African development in general. This year marks the 24th Africa Industrialization Day.

There is no industry that holds more promise for Africa than renewable energy. Renewable energy could transform the living standards of millions of Africans. This is particularly true in remote and rural areas. On site renewable energy production is ideal in remote areas because it is far cheaper than building infrastructure to gain access to an energy grid.