Strategy and advisory group MafAfrique have unveiled a regional sustainability initiative, Alternative Low Carbon Energy Market Development Initiative (ALCEMDI) at the ongoing Africa Climate Summit 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The aim of the initiative is to provide affordable and sustainable energy options for the domestic and regional markets while also negating the need for importing equivalent amount of energy thereby advancing the region towards achieving GHG emission reduction, energy and water security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability in supply chains. There will be extensive consultation and collaboration with a wide range of partners in the public sector and Governments and private sector players such as nature-based solution developers, regional economic communities, private sector business management organizations, blended finance partners and energy investors as part of deepening the use of clean technologies and encouraging a nexus approach to regional forest management.

Emphasizing the need for more private-public policy dialogue, technical cooperation, and international collaboration to broaden both local and regional demand for alternative low-carbon energy sources, Byron Mudhune, Cofounder, MafAfrique, said, “This is about diversifying the energy mix in sectors where it is needed most – clean cooking and road transport. We will therefore lead by example through strategic partnership with industry players to create awareness about the alternative opportunities available, mobilize investments and private capital into designing and scaling alternative low-carbon energy solutions especially in Eastern and Southern Africa region, creating sustainable energy value chains and boosting the job and wealth creation agenda especially for the youth and women.”