Press Release
Republic of Turkey

Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources
High Level Conference on Energy Access in Sub-Saharan Africa

1 October 2015

A “High Level Conference on Energy Access in Sub-Saharan Africa” will be held in Istanbul (The Grand Tarabya Hotel) on 1 October 2015 under the G20 Turkish Presidency.

In line with the Turkish Presidency´s Three I´s agenda: Inclusiveness, Investment and Implementation, access to energy for all has been an important priority of the Turkish G20 Presidency this year.

To help address this global challenge, G20 Energy Ministers, Energy Ministers from Sub-Saharan African countries, representatives from international and regional energy organizations, private sector companies engaged in Sub-Saharan Africa and financial institutions will take part in the High Level Conference.

A Business Forum will take place on the morning of the Conference focusing on energy investment and concrete projects in the region.

Globally over 1.1 billion people live without access to electricity and 2.6 billion people live without clean cooking facilities, causing health and environmental problems. The problem is most acute in Sub-Saharan Africa, where more than half of the population lacks access to electricity. This presents a substantial barrier for economic and social development since access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is key for alleviating poverty. This is recognized in the recently agreed Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development under the United Nations, which includes a specific goal on access to energy for all.

The Vice-President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Mr. Halim Mete and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey Mr. Ali Rıza Alaboyun will give opening speeches.

The Commissioner for Energy and Infrastructure from African Union Dr. Elham Ibrahim will give a keynote speech.

The Conference presents a valuable opportunity to improve collaboration among G20 and African policy makers, international institutions and related private sector stakeholders in the Sub-Saharan Africa Region.

At the Conference, the opening section of the Business Session and Ministerial Session will be open to the press.