NEF 2021 virtual conference to focus on powering sustainable energy for Africa

The 2021 Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF2021) conference will focus on energy transition priorities for Nigeria and Africa including how renewables could help power industrial revolution.

This years conference with the theme ‘Powering a Sustainable Industrial Revolution’ will be held virtually on 5th August and 30th November.

“The NEF2021 will review growth in the power sector, identify energy transition priorities for Nigeria and Africa on the road to the United Nations COP26 Climate Change conference, highlight energy financing solutions for agri-food services and award winners of the energy ideas competition,” said Oluwole Daniel Adeuyi, the chairman of the Forum.

Adeuyi confirmed that the 2021 NEF will gather key insights from stakeholders and identify recommendations for a just, equitable and sustainable energy transition to foster inclusive electricity sector growth, upscale climate-smart energy finance and facilitate a green industrial revolution.

Adekunle Makinde, the former National Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE), said the NEF2021 virtual conference organizers are committed to delivering value for all stakeholders across the energy sector while considering health and safety first.

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Hence, the conference will focus on key initiatives pertinent to mobilizing energy investments for climate development, adaption, mitigation and finance, thereby facilitating better recovery post Covid-19.

Makinde said the Honorable Minister of State for Power. Goddy Jeddy Agba, is expected to formally open the webinar series on 5th August 2021, and confirmed that the lead discussants are “Janet Rogan, UK COP26 Regional Ambassador for Africa; Colin Dreizin, Director, Economic Growth and Environment, USAID Nigeria; Wale Shonibare, Director, Energy Financial Solutions and Policy, African Development Bank; and Jean-Paul Adam, Director, Technology and Climate Change, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa”.

“Other experts and panelists at the NEF2021 virtual conference are Sandra Dozie, CEO, Salpha Energy; Joel Igba, Senior Manager, Vestas Wind, Denmark; Ibiene Okeleke, MD, Energy Training Centre; Sele Inegbedion, Hub Manager, All On; Omobola Omofaiye, CCO, Arnergy; Jumoke Dada, Founder, Taeillo; Jadeed Beita, Senior Engineer, Siemens Energy, UK; Nnaemeka Ikegwonu, CEO, Cold Hubs; and Jadesola Rawa, Partnerships and Policy Associate, All On, as the guest moderator,” Makinde said.

Adeuyi said “NEF2021 will feature over 4 best-in-class capacity building virtual workshops on Energy Pacesetters Panel, supported by All On; Power Sector Impact Workshop, by USAID Nigeria Power Sector Program; Agri-food Energy Solutions, by NIEEE-NEF and GEF-SGP; and Africa Energy Innovation Contest by NIEEE-NEF and All On Hub”.

Over 800 participants are expected to engage with the NEF2021 virtual conference, which aims to demonstrate new approaches for upskilling and reskilling energy sector professionals across the transition to a net zero power system.