Speaking at the Commonwealth Business Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, UK prime minister Boris Johnson has talked up new British investments which will help deliver the transition to green energy across Africa.
Supported by the British International Investment development finance institution, two major projects are being launched to boost Africa’s hydropower capabilities and upgrade power stations in Uganda to increase their renewable energy capacity.
British International Investment will provide capital investment of up to £162 million for Africa’s hydropower sector, in partnership with a joint venture between Norwegian firm Norfund and energy company, Scatec. The partnership is projected to generate around 180,000 and meet the electricity demands of over 3 million people.
A government-backed subsidiary of British International Investment has committed to investing up to £73 million in the Ugandan national grid, which will upgrade four electricity substations to boost their renewable energy capacity.
The UK will also invest £36 million into sustainable growth, which will help small island governments sustainably develop their ocean-based energy resources while protecting the natural maritime environment.
Johnson commented: “The Green Industrial Revolution is sweeping across Africa, backed by British financing and technical expertise. The continent’s abundant natural resources can be harnessed to provide cheap, reliable sources of energy for its people and industries, without contributing to the rising global temperatures that are already devastating communities.
“The UK government is leading the way, supporting sustainable green infrastructure across the Commonwealth and opening new opportunities for Britain’s leading clean tech companies to grow their business around the world.”
Prime minister, Boris Johnson’s full speech at the Commonwealth Business Forum can be read here.
Image taken from Wikimedia Commons
