On the sidelines of the seventh Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD7) held in Yokohama Aug.28-30, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) explored opportunities to further promote African innovations.
The event, which was attended by representatives of the public and private sector, international organizations and academia discussed among others renewable energy mini-grid systems, hydrogen in geothermal energy, and the role of Japan in technology transfer.
“Today, the Government of Rwanda is focused on leveraging innovation, particularly tech-enabled innovations to drive economic growth and leapfrog our challenges”, said Paula Ingabire, Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Innovation of Rwanda (MINICT).
“Homegrown innovations have already transformed Africa’s society and its economy”, said UNIDO Deputy Director General Hiroshi Kuniyoshi. “We believe that promoting and fostering innovation in the field of sustainable energy will continue to be very important for the continent”.
During the event, UNIDO and MINICT agreed to further strengthen their partnership by developing mini-grid projects in Rwanda, which will build on UNIDO’s Low Carbon Low Emission Clean Energy Programme (LCET), its Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP), and the Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN). This strengthened partnership is a practical example of African innovations that will significantly facilitate private sector investment and the acceleration of SMEs, start-ups and entrepreneurs.