GECF Signs Two MoUs to Enhance Energy Cooperation in Africa and Asia
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) has announced the signing of two crucial Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the African Energy Commission (AFREC) and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).
These partnerships aim to foster expertise sharing, joint research, and workshops in the energy sector to drive sustainable development and technological advancements in Africa, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.
The MoU between GECF and AFREC signifies a significant stride towards reducing energy poverty and enhancing energy security in Africa. Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the GECF, highlighted the need for substantial investment in both the upstream and downstream segments of the natural gas industry in Africa to bolster socio-economic development and regional integration.
Amani Abou-Zeid, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, stressed the pivotal role of natural gas in Africa’s energy development, emphasizing its potential to improve energy access, drive sustainable development, enhance energy security, and combat climate change.
The partnership between GECF and ERIA underscores their commitment to promoting sustainable, secure, and environmentally responsible development in the energy sector in East and Southeast Asia. This collaboration will facilitate the exchange of information, sharing of knowledge, and organization of joint workshops to advance modern technologies within the natural gas industry and support economic integration in ASEAN and East Asia.
Hamel emphasized the GECF’s recognition of natural gas’s role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly Goal #7, while Professor Jun Arima of ERIA highlighted insights on energy transition towards decarbonization in ASEAN.
These partnerships reflect GECF’s dedication to advancing energy solutions and promoting sustainable development in Africa, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, underscoring its commitment to driving global energy transformation and achieving the UN SDGs.
