Lilongwe — Economic
and Energy experts from the South Africa Sub-region have convened in
Lilongwe to discuss and find solutions to the long standing energy
challenges facing the African continent. Speaking Monday
during the opening of a two-day workshop, Director of United Nations
Economic Commission for Southern Africa Sub Region, Prof. Said Adejumobi
said the energy threat and crisis facing the Africa continent has had
diverse effect on the economic performance and sustainable development
efforts of member states. Prof. Adejumobi
said the energy problems have among others contributed to productivity
loss, unemployment, environmental degradation, labour unrest and
de-industrialisation. "The Southern
Africa region has not been spared from the negative effects and impacts
of the crisis on the economic prospects of its member states as well as
on the welfare and living conditions of its population. The energy
sector in general and energy consumption in particular have reached a
crisis point," he explained. The director then
described the meeting in Lilongwe too important as it will help in
facilitating exchange and sharing of experiences and generation of
information and substantive content for informed policy formulation and
policy making. Prof. Adejumobi
further said the meeting will also build partnership and network for the
purpose of mobilising resources and support for the future development
of the region's energy sector while also promote awareness and
sensitisation on the energy crisis and its impacts on the economies of
member states. "As a continent we
have the potential to generate enough energy and export to other
continents. This meeting, apart from fossil fuel and hydro energy
focuses on finding the alternative sources of energy such and solar
power. "We really need to act and think fast in order to achieve this," Prof. Adejumobi said. The energy outlook
special report of 2014 by the International Energy Agency (IEA)
reiterates that the primary purpose of the energy system is to
contribute to a better quality of life. Malawi News Agency Photo
