Towards efficient and affordable appliances in Africa

Organised by the IEA in partnership with the African Energy Commission (AFREC), this webinar contributes to ongoing knowledge-sharing efforts under the African Energy Efficiency Alliance (AEEA), where the IEA supports as a knowledge partner. As incomes rise and access to electricity expands across Sub-Saharan Africa, demand for household appliances is expected to grow significantly. While appliances play a critical role in improving living standards and supporting economic development, the widespread availability of inefficient, obsolete and second-hand equipment is increasing electricity demand, placing additional strain on power systems and raising energy costs for consumers. Energy-efficient appliances offer an important opportunity to improve affordability for households, expand access to energy services, strengthen energy security and support sustainable development. By reducing electricity consumption while delivering the same or better energy services, efficient appliances can help lower electricity bills, limit future demand growth and ease pressure on electricity systems. • These and other topics will be discussed during the webinar, which will cover the following sessions: • A scene-setting presentation on appliance efficiency developments and policy initiatives across Africa, delivered by AFREC • An IEA presentation on appliance markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, including trends in appliance ownership, the impacts of inefficient and second-hand appliances, and opportunities to improve appliance efficiency and market performance • A country case study from Ghana's Energy Commission, highlighting lessons learned from the implementation of appliance efficiency policies, including regulation, compliance, enforcement, communication and consumer education • Interactive Q&A sessions throughout to encourage exchange among participants