The UK has spotlighted its growing partnerships with African
nations in a major push to replace fossil fuel generators with clean, renewable
energy across the continent, during the flagship ZE-Gen: Powering Productivity,
Accelerating Investment event at London Climate Action Week.
UK Special Representative for Climate, Rachel Kyte, led
discussions showcasing the economic, health, and environmental benefits of
UK-African clean energy innovation.
The event underscored how international collaborations can
transform energy access in emerging economies.
The ZE-Gen initiative, a joint programme by the Carbon Trust
and Innovate UK, has already catalysed £39.75 million in funding to support
over 50 clean energy organisations operating across Ivory Coast, Malawi,
Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and the UK.
These projects aim to replace diesel and petrol generators
with renewable alternatives for communities, SMEs, healthcare facilities, and
humanitarian missions.
“Clean power is not just about climate—it’s about economic
inclusion, better health, and global opportunity,” said Kyte.
“Our partnerships
across Africa show what is possible when innovation and investment come
together.”
Supported by the IKEA Foundation and the UK Government’s
Ayrton Fund, ZE-Gen projects address the pressing need for reliable electricity
in regions where power outages can stretch for weeks.
Globally, over 1.5 billion people lack consistent access to
electricity, and many rely on highly polluting generators linked to serious
health risks including respiratory illness and hearing loss.
The event brought together investors, policymakers, and
innovators to explore clean energy investment in priority sectors such as
telecommunications, health, and small businesses.
It also showcased
localised renewable energy solutions launched across countries such as Côte
d'Ivoire, Fiji, the Philippines, and beyond.
Despite emerging economies being home to nearly two-thirds of
the world’s population, they receive just 15% of global clean energy
investment, a gap ZE-Gen is working to close.
Panelists and participants included representatives from the
Tony Blair Institute, Vodafone, Mirova Asset Management, the World Health Organisation,
SEforALL, and others committed to accelerating clean energy access.
ZE-Gen aims to continue scaling up efforts to end fossil
fuel generator dependence, drive inclusive economic growth, and promote
environmental sustainability across developing regions.
