The UAE is leading a programme to finance renewable energy projects in Africa to help countries on the continent meet their green energy needs and hasten their economic development. The “Etihad 7” programme will secure funding for green initiatives on the continent as it seeks to provide clean power to 100 million people by 2035. The UAE’s announcement for net zero emissions by 2050 made it the first country in the Mena region to come up with a concrete climate commitment plan. The Gulf country hosts a large African diaspora and is keen on building new partnerships based on historical ties with African nations. The UAE is committed to partnering with sub-Saharan African nations to achieve sustainable development and promote the welfare of the larger region by advancing together in the field of renewable energy.
The Etihad 7 initiative aims to help African countries to meet their fast-growing energy needs without the corresponding surge in greenhouse gas emissions. The programme facilitates sustainable development by solving key challenges that hinder clean and affordable energy in emerging markets. The UAE already has several agreements in place with partners in sub-Saharan Africa under the Etihad 7 initiative to help them to pursue their clean energy and economic aims. Etihad 7 is a truly collaborative programme, one that acknowledges and adapts to the needs and requirements of our partner nations. The energy transition under an Irena scenario, to cap the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, predicts a 6.4 per cent increase to gross domestic product by 2050 than that realised under current plans. Every $1 million invested in renewables between 2020 and 2050 would create at least 26 job years while every $1m invested in energy efficiency would result in the creation of at least 22 job years annually.