NEPAD and the U.S. Government-led partnership known as Power Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the implementation of African-driven priority energy projects. The Agreement entails that the two entities finalise the selection of priority energy projects under the Africa Power Vision (APV) throughout sub-Saharan Africa and look for opportunities to help bring them to financial close.

The Power Africa initiative aims to support economic growth and development by increasing access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy in Africa in support of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). The Initiative involves twelve U.S. Government agencies, African governments, the private sector, and other partners, targeting access to electricity for 60 million households and businesses in sub-Saharan Africa.  

NEPAD is leading the Africa Power Vision (APV), which is a roadmap designed by African leaders to accelerate the effective implementation of priority energy projects. CEO Dr Mayaki commended the synergies between Africa’s Energy Agenda and  Power Africa. “Our approaches stem from clear recognition that Africa’s socio-economic development depends on energy that is available, accessible, affordable and reliable,” said Dr Mayaki. He commended the support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the key driver of Power Africa,  for enhancing the regional approach to infrastructure development. 

USAID Assistant Administrator for Africa, Mr Gast, who led the external delegation to the signing ceremony, said that during the recent U.S.-Africa Summit hosted by President Obama in Washington last month, African leaders talked discussed how Power Africa can help transform the economies in sub-Saharan Africa and improve the lives of millions. Mr Gast said that President Obama was proud of the progress made by Power Africa but challenged all involved to look at transformation of regional projects and strategic partnerships.

Professor Mosad Elmissiry Head of Energy Programme  with Mr Lai Yahaya, Power Africa Team Leader. 

“The partnership with NEPAD under Power Africa and the African Power Vision will ensure that the implementation of the energy priority projects will have a regional approach, which is key for the success of the initiative”, he said.

Professor Mosad Elmissiry laid out three step implementation plan:

• Finalise the Power Africa project selection by end of 2014;
• Work on a project prescription in collaboration with the private sector, to assess status and describe step ahead ;
• Work in parallel to the above process by focusing on the six pioneering countries which have been selected by the Power Africa Initiative (the countries are Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania).

Professor Elmissiry stressed that the plan was set to achieve results. “Existing frameworks such as PIDA, APV and Power Africa have come under one roof for effective implementation,” he said.

Elsa Tedros exchanging views with Mr James Hogan, Director Tetra Tech, a support programme to Power Africa