“Approximately 600 million people in Africa still live without access to affordable and sustainable modern energy, and rely mainly on traditional biomass for cooking and heating. [...] As we mark Africa Industrialization Day, let us work together to achieve “Sustainable Energy for All” and advance economic development and productivity throughout Africa.”
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for the International Day for Africa Industrialization
20 November 2011
Solar power panels generate energy for a newly renovated local administrative building, erected by the Government of Liberia with support from the United Nations Mission in Liberia and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.
UN Photo.
Within the framework of the Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa (1991-2000), the UN General Assembly, in 1989, proclaimed 20 November Africa Industrialization Day (resolution 44/237). The Day is intended to mobilize the commitment of the international community to the industrialization of Africa.
This year’s commemoration of Africa Industrialization Day shines a spotlight on the challenge of “Sustainable Energy for Accelerated Industrial Development”.
Ensuring access to reliable, efficient and affordable energy is a key element in creating decent jobs and increasing productive capacity.