Building a brighter future in Africa together with EELA
The Swedish Energy Agency is participating in the second phase of the Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) program.
The Swedish Energy Agency is participating in the program EELA, an international collaboration aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth through integrated energy efficiency measures. In the beginning of 2025, the program entered its second phase involving 36 countries and impacting 800 million people.
The Swedish Energy Agency plays a pivotal role in the EELA program by providing expertise in energy efficiency, policy development, and market surveillance.
Results from the first phase of the program
The first phase of the EELA-program (2018-2024) focused on identifying challenges and creating markets where policies and regulations support energy-efficient products. It focused on:
- Strengthen government capacity to enforce minimum energy performance standards (MEPS).
- Increase consumer awareness and demand for energy-efficient alternatives.
As a result, the program established policy frameworks, enhanced institutional capacity and launched awareness campaigns to drive market transformation towards more sustainable energy use.
"This is a great example of how we can contribute with our experience from working within the EU on energy-efficient products. A greater supply of energy-efficient products, such as lighting, helps reduce energy costs for households while also lowering carbon dioxide emissions," says Caroline Asserup, Acting Director General, Swedish Energy Agency.
Entering the second phase
In 2025 the program enters its second phase, expanding to 15 additional countries in West Africa. The phase builds on previous achievements in the first phase, and broadens its focus to include energy-efficient solutions in the industrial and agricultural sectors, aiming to:
- Improve productivity
- Reduce energy costs
- Promote sustainable development
Study visit at The Swedish Energy Agency
From March 10 to 14, the Program Coordination Unit (PCU) will visit Stockholm for a study tour featuring expert meetings and partner discussions on the next phase of the program.
The Swedish Energy Agency will be hosting the study visit on Tuesday, 11th March.
About EELA
EELA is funded by the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with regional and international partners.
The program contributes to ten of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals, including the global climate goals (SDG 13).
More information
Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) (in swedish)
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement
Globala målen för hållbar utveckling (globalamalen.se) (in swedish)
