Rashid Ali Abdallah
Executive Director African Energy Commission (AFREC-AU)
Mr. Rashid Ali Abdallah is the Executive Director of African Energy Commission (AFREC) of the African Union, a position he has held since November 2018. Under his leadership, the AFREC has gone through significant transformation both in staff development and continental reach of its flagship programmes, doubling its impact in supporting the African Union Member States.
Under Mr. Abdallah, AFREC has expanded its initiatives from mainly energy information system to ensuring energy security by expanding its programmes to include renewable energies, enhancing energy efficiency, modernizing African bioenergy, supporting energy transition, promoting clean cooking services in Africa and advancing comprehensive capacity building for African energy sector among others.
Before taking up the Executive Director role at AFREC, Mr. Abdallah served as the Principle Policy Officer and later Head of the Energy Division at the African Union Commission.
Conference Agenda Sessions
REGIONAL PANEL DISCUSSION - Building Resilience, Integration and Sustainability Across Southern Afri
Building Resilience, Integration and Sustainability Across Southern Africa’s Energy Systems
Southern Africa‘s energy trade is in the middle of profound transformations given upcoming gas developments in Mozambique and new discoveries onshore Zimbabwe and offshore Namibia. The region is already host to the continent‘s deepest and most integrated power pools, but gas trade offers significant opportunities to address energy needs and affordability across the region. We gather a wide range of private, public and institutional actors to understand the future of the region‘s energy cooperation and investments.
Key areas of discussion:
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What are the key challenges and opportunities in developing regional energy infrastructure across Southern Africa, and how can cross-border cooperation be enhanced to overcome these challenges?
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How can harmonizing policy and regulatory frameworks among Southern African countries facilitate more efficient energy trade and cooperation within the region? What steps are needed to achieve this?
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What are the main barriers to attracting investment in Southern Africa’s energy sector, and how can regional collaboration improve access to financing for energy projects? What role do public-private partnerships (PPPs) play in this context?
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With a global push towards renewable energy sources, what will be the role of hydrocarbons in Southern Africa’s economic development and how can Southern African countries collaborate to accelerate the adoption of cleaner energy technologies? What role do international partnerships play in this transition?
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The role of technology in delivering power and energy that is cleaner, accessible and affordable
Tuesday 08 October 15:45 - 16:30 Plenary Stage
Opening Ceremony
Southern Africa‘s energy trade is in the middle of profound transformations given upcoming gas developments in Mozambique and new discoveries onshore Zimbabwe and offshore Namibia. The region is already host to the continent‘s deepest and most integrated power pools, but gas trade offers significant opportunities to address energy needs and affordability across the region. We gather a wide range of private, public and institutional actors to understand the future of the region‘s energy cooperation and investments.
Key areas of discussion:
-
What are the key challenges and opportunities in developing regional energy infrastructure across Southern Africa, and how can cross-border cooperation be enhanced to overcome these challenges?
-
How can harmonizing policy and regulatory frameworks among Southern African countries facilitate more efficient energy trade and cooperation within the region? What steps are needed to achieve this?
-
What are the main barriers to attracting investment in Southern Africa’s energy sector, and how can regional collaboration improve access to financing for energy projects? What role do public-private partnerships (PPPs) play in this context?
-
With a global push towards renewable energy sources, what will be the role of hydrocarbons in Southern Africa’s economic development and how can Southern African countries collaborate to accelerate the adoption of cleaner energy technologies? What role do international partnerships play in this transition?
-
The role of technology in delivering power and energy that is cleaner, accessible and affordable
PANEL DISCUSSION: Energy Leaders Debate
The fundamental question remains: ‘How can the African continent attain sustainability and increase access to modern energy services for its people? This session unites Africa’s energy leaders to share new perspectives and solutions on the role of renewable energy in increasing access to modern energy.
Key areas of discussion:
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The importance of a balanced energy mix.
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How are we increasing the scale and pace of projects and investments?
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Market design reforms and the future of energy procurement.
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Fast tracking the delivery of projects in support of the global energy community.
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Investment in technology for a cleaner future.
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Innovative solutions for energy and climate neutrality in the context of affordability and equality.
Wednesday 09 October 10:15 - 11:00 Energy Stage
Africa Power & Energy
The fundamental question remains: ‘How can the African continent attain sustainability and increase access to modern energy services for its people? This session unites Africa’s energy leaders to share new perspectives and solutions on the role of renewable energy in increasing access to modern energy.
Key areas of discussion:
-
The importance of a balanced energy mix.
-
How are we increasing the scale and pace of projects and investments?
-
Market design reforms and the future of energy procurement.
-
Fast tracking the delivery of projects in support of the global energy community.
-
Investment in technology for a cleaner future.
-
Innovative solutions for energy and climate neutrality in the context of affordability and equality.