Djibouti(Mogadishu24)-The 5th ministerial meeting of member countries of the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) opened in Djibouti on Wednesday.

The two-day meeting aimed at strengthening the partnership between the member countries of AREI, with the goal of accelerating the large-scale deployment of renewable energies on the African continent.

The discussions are also broadened to other subjects, including the preparation of the meeting of the Board of Directors, which will be held in September this year in New York, during the United Nations General Assembly.

This is the first time Djibouti is hosting a meeting of the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative. The event brought together high-level participants, including government officials, experts, investors, and major players in the energy sector from all member countries.

The first day of the meeting focused on analyzing various themes related to the development of green energies. On the second day, ministers from member countries of this organization intended to formulate recommendations for submission to the Board of Directors for adoption.

In his speech during the opening of the meeting, Djibouti’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Yonis Ali Guedi welcomed the participants and expressed gratitude to the directors for choosing Djibouti as the meeting venue.

He emphasized the potential of renewable energy for African countries, given the continent’s favourable weather conditions for promoting and developing renewable energies.

“Renewable energy has significant growing potential in Africa, particularly in Djibouti, considering our weather conditions such as wind and sun. If invested in, Africa can completely transition to renewable energy production,” Minister Yonis said.

The Minister also announced Djibouti’s plan to fully transform its energy production to renewable energy.

“The government of Djibouti plans to shift its energy production to 100 per cent renewable energy. This is part of the president’s plan and agenda to transform Djibouti’s energy sector,” he added.

Madam Lala, the Director of Communications for AREI, emphasized the importance of this initiative for African countries.

“This initiative holds huge promise for African countries, especially given their favourable weather conditions. The program has garnered strong support, having already been approved by four African presidents, with other nations expressing interest in joining the initiative,” Madam Lala said.

In attendance were Djibouti’s Minister of Energy, Yonis Ali, Director of the African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI), Dr. Chantal COLLE, the Secretary General, Mr. Mohamed Kileh Waiss, AREI country Director in Djibouti, Mr. Ali Barreh Adaweh, and the Director of Communications, Madam Lala.