Overview
Briefing note
Project website

With support of the United Nations Foundation, UNEP’s Energy Programme initiated an effort directed at the African rural energy service sector.

AREED develops new skills within African non-governmental organisations (NGOs), financial institutions and UN agencies to nurture local energy enterprises while accelerating the use of renewable energy technologies.

The initiative was initially undertaken in five African states, and used an innovative approach that couples enterprise development services with modest amounts of start-up support. This approach has been used successfully in other parts of the world, but has not been applied systematically in Africa.

Partners initially involved were UNEP’s Energy sub-programme and Regional Office for Africa, URC, and the non-profit organisation E+Co.

URC supported the implementation, especially in the initial country assessments and the collaboration with relevant regional NGOs.

For further information read UNEP's briefing note or visit AREED's website.

Reference sheet (Intranet)