Africa Smart Grid Forum highlights Africa's need for energy

The 2nd Africa Smart Grid Forum and 5th African Electro-technical and Standardisation Commission General Assembly took place March 5 to March 10 to raise awareness of smart grid options in Africa and renewable energy.

The 2nd Africa Smart Grid hosted 300 technical authorities from 48 various African countries and regional centers as well as the private sector.

The exhibition was introduced by Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Mohamed Shaker as well as Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Dr. Elham Ibrahim.

Ibrahim stated that the implementation of smart grids will facilitate universal access to energy for Africans, while Shaker spoke on the 600 million residents in Africa who are still lacking electricity.

The 5th AFSEC began on March 9 with the chairman of the Egyptian National Committee, the AFSEC president, the African Union Commission and the executive director of the African Energy Commission.

The president of AFSEC, Dr. Claud Katoua, spoke about the increasing presence of AFSEC with stakeholders. He also asked for continued support from the African Union Commission as well as its member states.

Finally, the Acting Head of Energy at the Department of Infrastructure and Energy Atef Marzouk discussed the role of support from organizations, both on the national and continental scenes.