Several nations pledge $10 billion to Africa Renewable Energy Initiative

Throughout Africa, approximately 600 million people have no access to electric power.

"Africa is tired of being in the dark," African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina said. "The lack of electricity has put the brakes on Africa's industrialization. Through the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI), we can sustain fast economic growth in Africa and on a low-carbon development pathway."

To help the people of Africa, nations from around the world are rallying to support the AREI. At the recent Paris United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21), Sweden and several G7 nations -- including France, Germany and Canada -- pledged financial assistance that totaled $10 billion.

AREI is an African-led program to add 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy to Africa by 2020.

"Africa's renewable-energy revolution will ensure access to clean, reliable and efficient energy, while ensuring we do not add to the greenhouse-gas emissions we are gathered here in Paris to reduce," United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner said during COP21. "The Africa Renewable Energy Initiative aims to do just that. Such leadership from Africa, and the financial backing from the international community announced today, provides fresh hope that we can tackle the twin challenges of sustainable development and climate change."