ARE and ACER Sign MoU to Speed Up Energy Access Uptake in Cameroon
20 July 2021 – A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Cameroonian Association for Renewable Energies (ACER) and the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE). The MoU sets out the shared goals of the two organisations to address the existing obstacles which hinder the optimal use of the various renewable energies and the potential for energy efficiency in Cameroon. Both organisations agreed upon collaborating on promoting social and economic development by increasing the share of renewable energies in the energy mix in Central Africa and particularly Cameroon.
The associations will work together on a number of activities, including joint advocacy for renewable energy policies in Cameroon to create a conducive market environment for decentralised renewable energy (DRE) actors, accompanying and contributing to the government’s efforts to achieve renewable energy targets as well as targeted business development and market intelligence support for DRE companies.
In this regard, the associations aim to develop the capacity of renewable energy stakeholders in Cameroon to create local jobs and enhance the capacity of the sector to raise increased financing for renewable energy projects and businesses. This will be achieved by spearheading in-person or virtual “DRE Investment Academies” or similar trainings for Cameroonian and international DRE developers and other stakeholders, with the aim to provide additional fundraising and technical support.
Finally, the MoU states that the partners will deliver joint offers and support services for renewable energy actors working in Cameroon, to address energy access, energy security and climate change challenges, as well as conduct applied research to foster the market for renewable energy technologies.
David Lecoque, CEO of ARE said: “Together with renewable energy associations like ACER, we look to facilitate greater understanding of the needs of and find solutions for DRE developers and stakeholders, end-users, and the public to achieve SDG-7. This cooperation is an outcome of the virtual study tours that ARE organises with Solar Power Europe and National Renewable Energy Associations, supported by the European Programme GET.invest. The new MoU with ACER sets out concrete steps forward to expand clean and affordable energy access in Cameroon.”
Gérard Ntchouabia, President of ACER said: “On behalf of ACER and myself, we are pleased to have signed this partnership with ARE, which will contribute to the development and structuring of renewable energy in Cameroon and Central Africa. ACER is in its role to serve as a bridge to all members of ARE in the development of their renewable energy projects and access to energy in Cameroon and in the Central African sub-region. We are certain and convinced that our population will benefit from this partnership including our institutions and SMEs that operate in this field.”
Gabriele Pammesberger, Africa Lead of ARE said: “We are delighted to enter into this partnership with ACER to jointly support the development of a sustainable and inclusive private sector-driven DRE sector in Cameroon and to contribute to improved access to clean, affordable energy and to the transition to a green, climate-resilient economy. Knowledge exchange, skills development and capacity building will lie at the heart of our partnership and will contribute to local market development and job creation.”