Recommendation on universal access to energy


African Union

Recommendation on universal access to energy

The Pan-African Parliament,Considering Article 17(1) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, establishing the Pan-African Parliament, to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the development and economic integration of the continent,Considering also Article 3 of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, whose objectives are, among others, to: accelerate the political and socioeconomic integration of the continent; promote international cooperation, taking due account of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; promote sustainable development at the economic, social and cultural levels, as well as the integration of African economies; coordinate and harmonize the policies between the existing and future Regional Economic Communities, for the gradual attainment of the objectives of the Union,Considering further Article 3 of the Protocol to the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community relating to the Pan-African Parliament, and Rule 4(a) of the Rules of Procedure of the Pan-African Parliament,Noting the importance of energy for inclusive growth, to promote development in Africa,Noting also the low level of investment in the energy sector in most African States,Noting further the lack of an integrated energy policy and the absence of a continental legal framework,Convinced of the need to implement UNIDO programmes on industrial development in Africa,In accordance with Rule 5(d) of the Rules of Procedure of the Pan-African Parliament conferring on it powers to make recommendations and take resolutions on any matters relating to the African Union and its organs, Regional Economic Communities and their respective organs, Member States and their organs and institutions,Now hereby recommends the following:
1.Declare universal access to low-cost energy, diversify the energy sector and make renewable energies accessible to all by 2040;
2.Develop local human resources in energy, support their development, raise awareness among people on the benefits of renewable energies;
3.Encourage States to allocate a significant share of their budgets to renewable energies;
4.Set up a fund-raising mechanism for renewable energies;
5.Give tax exemptions for renewable energy kits and accessories;
6.Develop an integrated energy policy in African countries;
7.Encourage and support regional energy initiatives;
8.Encourage any renewable energy-related investment;
9.Emphasize the need to implement Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls);
10.Encourage public-private partnership for investment in energy;
11.Establish a network of Parliamentarians on the implementation of renewable energies;
12.Introduce a model law on renewable energies.
Adopted at Midrand, South Africa17 October 2019
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