Webinar: Why increasing the role of renewable energy mini-grids is essential to transforming agricultural productivity and food security in Africa

TOPIC: Why increasing the role of renewable energy mini-grids is essential to transforming agricultural productivity and food security in Africa

Discussion of lessons learnt from policy innovations and programmatic interventions from Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda

WELCOME REMARKS :

Dr. Ousmane Badiane, Malabo Montpellier Panel Co-Chair

PRESENTER:

Prof. Nuhu Hatibu, Regional Head (Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa – AGRA

MODERATOR:

Mr. William Brent, Chief Communications Officer, Power for All

This webinar will explore opportunities for synergies between the expansion of mini-grids and strengthening Africa’s agricultural value chains.

Linking decentralized renewables and agriculture can provide mutually beneficial outcomes across the energy-food nexus. In particular, renewable energy-powered technologies ranging from cold storage to solar pumps can accelerate agricultural growth and reduce food waste, without which food import dependency in Sub-Saharan Africa will triple between now and 2025, reaching over $110 billion.

Leveraging complementary investments in agriculture and electricity access can yield double dividends in terms of poverty alleviation. Aligning mini grid investments with agricultural development targets can maximize joint benefits from the expansion of rural electricity access and the increase in value-added along the agricultural value chains, both of which are directly linked to improved quality of life in rural communities.

The Malabo Montpellier Panel’s 2019 report Energized focuses on what six African countries – Ethiopia, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Zambia – have done successfully in terms of institutional and policy innovation for energy expansion in support of agriculture and rural areas. Drawing on his experience, Professor Nuhu Hatibu will discuss in this webinar the experience of Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda in connecting rural areas to energy.

More information and to register click HERE