*Contributes $45m to Green Africa Power
07 November 2014, Johannesburg – More than 700 million people in Africa lack electricity, and the continent is in urgent need of investment in renewable energy, according to Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Børge Brende. “Norway will therefore contribute 300-million krone [about R500-million or $45-million] to Green Africa Power, which is intended to encourage commercial actors to invest in sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.
Green Africa Power was set up to stimulate private investment in renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa. The fund’s capital will be equivalent to about 1.3-billion Norwegian krone, of which Norway is to provide 300-million krone. Green Africa Power will offer long-term loans for private investments in the lowest-income groups of countries in Africa.
“The UK has already made a substantial contribution to the fund. With the additional funding from Norway, our two countries will be joining forces to fund renewable energy projects, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve access to clean energy for millions of people in Africa,” Brende said.
Green Africa Power is run by the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), which Norway has joined. The group mobilises private sector investment to help developing countries in providing infrastructure vital to boosting their economic growth, and combating poverty. PIDG has established seven other companies in addition to Green Africa Power, all of which customise solutions to ensure that planned infrastructure projects are carried out.
“Access to energy is essential for economic and social development. It is also vital to a country’s ability to generate income, provide jobs and stimulate trade and development.”
Brende announced Norway’s support during his address at the fourth Norwegian – African Business Summit in Oslo on 31 October. It is the largest Nordic business conference on Africa.
*APO
