By Joseph Silali, Baku
The Head of Regional Programmes for Africa at the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Dr. Barakat Ahmed, has urged African governments to emulate Kenya in implementing policies that attract investments in renewable energy.
He emphasized that such measures are essential to addressing the continent’s persistent energy access challenges.
Speaking at the ISA Orange Pavilion in Baku, Dr. Ahmed hailed Kenya as a benchmark for energy access on the continent.
He highlighted the country’s proactive policies, which have significantly improved its citizens’ access to renewable energy solutions, as a model for others to follow.
“Investment in renewable energy is pivotal to bridging Africa’s energy access challenges and achieving green energy economies,” Dr. Ahmed stated.
He noted that Africa faces significant hurdles in transitioning to green energy, with financing and investment barriers posing major challenges. To overcome these obstacles, Dr. Ahmed urged governments to prioritize funding for renewable energy projects and create mechanisms that make solar technologies affordable and accessible to citizens.
“Finance, funding innovation, and attracting investments remain critical challenges for many African nations,” he explained.
He called on African leaders to establish policies that would attract private-sector investments in renewable energy, stressing that these policies are necessary for creating an enabling environment for green energy development.
Dr. Ahmed reaffirmed the ISA’s commitment to working with African governments to promote renewable energy investments, reduce the region’s reliance on fossil fuels, and drive the transition to sustainable energy solutions.
He urged African nations to act swiftly to unlock the continent’s renewable energy potential, which he said holds the key to achieving sustainable economic growth.
