African Energy Entrepreneurs Framework launched in Kenya

The United Nations Environment, in collaboration with UN Women, the AU Commission, Pan African Climate Justice and other partners, have launched the African Energy Entrepreneurs Framework, in Nairobi - Kenya.

The framework seeks to strengthen political will and commitment from governments and development partners to attract investment to tackle the issue of access to clean and affordable energy on the continent.

It was launched ahead of the Third Session of the UN Environment Assembly, which opened on Monday.

Ms Juliette Koudenoukpo, the Director and Regional Representative of UN Environment in Africa, noted that there was low participation of women in decision making and processes as well as in the Labour force in the energy sector.

She said women disproportionately were near the burden of energy poverty and faced significant health risks from household air pollution, from carrying heavy fuel loads and the lack of light to facilitate their chores.

Professor Judi Wakhungu, Kenya's Environment Cabinet Secretary, launching the document, assured African Women Energy Entrepreneurs of the commitment of colleague environment ministers, to finding innovative solutions to empower them to engage in accessible, sustainable and affordable clean energy.