"We should encourage investment in bioenergy by the private sector because energy security is a key component for economic growth in a modern functioning society” said Mariam Sow Soumare,  Food Security Analyst at the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)  Agency  in Dakar, Senegal at the end of a two-day workshop organised by NEPAD, themed: “African Bioenergy Investment''.

The meeting was attended by representatives from African governments, the private sector, investors and suppliers involved in technology, with the aim of encouraging investment in bioenergy by businesses and the corporate sector.

“The challenge is that seventy percent of the Sub-Saharan population does not have access to electricity and though a lot of effort has been, the number of people with no access to electricity keeps increasing due to the demographic growth.  But we also have an opportunity here because energy is now being given high priority by a lot African institutions.” said Mr Boubacar Draba, representative from the European Union in Senegal.

This is an opportunity for Africa as a whole to compete favourably with more advanced economic regions and in doing so, create new technologies, employment and incomes. These objectives need investment and policies, which allow Africa to gain competitive advantage from its green resources.

Addressing the meeting via video-link from Johannesburg during the official opening ceremony, NEPAD Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ibrahim Mayaki urged all participants to the symposium to think radically on how to forge strong partnerships which can tackle developmental challenges in Africa.  Dr Mayaki highlighted NEPAD’S role in ensuring that the decisions that are taken on Energy are implemented. 

One key outcome of the meeting is the establishment of a facility worth 15 Million Euro named “Integrated Bioenergy Programme for Growth and Equity in West Africa”.  The facility will target projects and programmes which specialise in the conversion of agricultural and industrial wastes into modern household energy and electricity and the development of the liquid biofuels subsector with strong emphasis on sustainability.

The workshop, which is follow-up to a similar one held in Johannesburg South Africa last month, also gave opportunity to various bioenergy projects to present and interact with potential investors. A professional and investment panel has also been established to evaluate how the projects can best be assisted. 

For more information on the event go to http://www.bioenergyinvestment-westafrica.com/

A participant presenting her project.