THE FDA WELCOMES THE U.S. SIGNING THE STATUTE OF THE INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY

By Prince White

The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA), welcomes the U.S. signing the Statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt by Ambassador Reno Harnish, Acting Secretary of the Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science on June 29th. The FDA calls on IRENA to ensure the promotion of renewable energy and smart and appropriate technologies for rural communities its highest priority.

According to Mr. Anthony Okonmah, executive director of the FDA, “IRENA must work with NGOs, the private sector and other stakeholders in Africa to use smart and appropriate technologies to provide basic human needs, increase economic activities and expand economic and political freedom.” In support of the promotion of renewable energy, sustainable development and economic growth the FDA organized the West Africa Regional Conference Business Expo and Workshops on Smart, Appropriate and Resource Efficient Technologies and Products for Rural Communities in Abuja, Nigeria July 9TH -11TH. The goal of the conference is to provide a forum in the West Africa region for discussing and showcasing appropriate technologies in renewable energy, agriculture, transportation, communication, water and irrigation, and the thrift and banking sectors that can improve living and working conditions in rural communities.

The conference also aims to encourage policy discussions on these important issues, and thereby assisting in enhancing legislative frameworks in order to attract the human capital and finical investment required to advance research and development in smart technologies that benefit Africa by increasing development. Technology companies, research institutions, governments, Universities and institutions of higher learning, development organizations, nongovernmental organizations, community based organizations, multilateral organizations, funding organizations, think tanks, and officials from the ECOWAS member states will be in attendance.

For more information on the Foundation for Democracy in Africa please visit:
www.democracy-africa.org