EU commits N20bn for projects in Africa

The European Union yesterday announced its new support to provide access to energy to two million people in Africa with a grant budget of €95 million (about N20 billion).

According to a statement from the commission in Brussels, Belgium, more than two million people in poor rural areas of Africa will benefit from access to modern, affordable and sustainable energy services from the new EU support announced by EU Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs.

The statement stated further that the initiative shows that the EU has been a leader in the campaign to provide sustainable energy for all.

“Grants of €95 million have been awarded for 16 projects across nine African countries to provide access to energy in rural areas, an amount which will be translated into projects costing more than €155 million (through co-financing support by applicants),” the statement said.

Commissioner Piebalgs said: “Energy is fundamental for every areas of development; from creating jobs and boosting growth to improving healthcare and enabling people to cook safely. Yet too often, people in rural areas have been left behind - a shocking 84% of those without access to energy now live in the countryside.

“We need to make sure that our work supports everyone, no matter where they live.”

Also, Piebalgs is expected to participate at the presentation of the report of the High Level Panel on Fragile States, entitled “Ending conflict and building peace in Africa: A Call to Action”, chaired by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.