Government of Rwanda Commends Informa Markets for Successful Africa Energy Leadership Summit and Expo

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU

Kigali, Rwanda – The Government of Rwanda has expressed its gratitude to Informa Markets for successfully hosting in the country the Africa Energy Leadership Summit and Africa Energy Expo, which concluded on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 after three impactful days at the Kigali Convention Center.

The event, a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration in the energy sector, was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Rwanda Convention Bureau.

During the closing ceremony, Fidèle Abimana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, commended Informa Markets for selecting Rwanda as the host country.

“The government of Rwanda sincerely thanks Informa Markets for bringing this remarkable summit and exhibition to our shores,” Abimana stated.

“Your dedication to Africa’s sustainable development and leadership in energy transition is truly inspiring.”

Reflecting on the summit’s achievements, Abimana highlighted the importance of the discussions that took place over the three days.

“As we part ways, let us carry forward the vision shared here into actionable steps,” he urged attendees.

“We have the resources, the vision, and most importantly, the collective will to achieve an equitable and sustainable energy future for all Africans.”

The summit was marked by rich dialogues and partnerships aimed at addressing critical energy challenges across the continent.

Key topics included universal electrification, innovative financing models, and the role of decentralized renewable energy.

The discussions underscored the necessity for regional cooperation to accelerate Africa’s energy transition and enhance green financing.

Abimana emphasized the need for data-driven approaches to tackle low electricity access rates and the importance of upgrading infrastructure for resilient interconnected grids.

“Creating an enabling environment for the private sector is vital, as current funding alone will not suffice for universal access,” he noted.

He also addressed the role of regulators, urging the establishment of clear and transparent frameworks, and called on utilities to focus on infrastructure development and grid modernization.

“Innovative solutions must be devised to reduce government subsidies while ensuring electricity affordability,” he added.

The closing remarks recognized the valuable contributions of all stakeholders present, including regulatory bodies, utilities, financiers, and engineers. Each session provided actionable insights that could pave the way for future energy initiatives.

As attendees departed, Abimana encouraged them to take the lessons learned back to their respective communities, emphasizing the promise of green hydrogen and the critical partnerships needed for last-mile electrification in rural areas.

The Africa Energy Leadership Summit and Expo not only showcased Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable development but also positioned the country as a hub for energy dialogue and innovation on the continent.