FRRRR.   From June 12-14, 2024, the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) convened the second project steering committee meeting at the Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency of Central Africa (CEREEAC) in Luanda, Angola. This gathering, the second of the CEREEAC's Governing Bodies, aimed to propel the region's renewable energy initiatives forward. Participants included representatives from the Ministries responsible for Energy across ECCAS Member States, such as Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gabon, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, and Chad, as well as key technical and financial partners like the ECCAS Commission, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and European Union representatives.

The meeting sought to validate recommendations from the previous assembly in November 2023 and prepare for the upcoming ECCAS Ministers of Energy meeting taking place in August. A notable highlight was the address by H.E. Mrs. Marie Thérèse Chantal MFOULA EDJOMO, Commissioner for Spatial Planning and Infrastructure at ECCAS. Speaking on behalf of the President of the ECCAS Commission, she emphasized the importance of these discussions in steering the CEREEAC towards the next phase of its operationalization, which includes appointing an Executive Director and progressively increasing staff throughout the year.

Key outcomes of the Executive Board meeting included the validation of several critical recommendations from the Technical Committee. These comprised the 2024-2030 Business Plan of the CEREEAC, the 2024 Activity Plan of CEREEAC, the Manual of Administrative, Financial, and Accounting Procedures of the CEREEAC, the Terms of Reference for the Executive Director of the CEREEAC, and the approval of the amended 2024 budget. These decisions are expected to significantly influence the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the CEREEAC, enhancing its ability to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency across Central Africa.

Commissioner MFOULA EDJOMO expressed her deep gratitude to the Angolan authorities, the delegates from ECCAS Member States, and the development partners, including UNIDO, the European Union, the Austrian Development Cooperation, and the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), for their unwavering commitment and support in operationalizing CEREEAC. "Their dedication is vital as we transition into the operationalization of the CEREEAC," she stated.The meeting underscored ECCAS's commitment to fostering sustainable energy development in the region.

As CEREEAC advances into its next phase, the collaborative efforts of member states and partners will be crucial in driving the agenda of renewable energy and energy efficiency, contributing to the region's overall development and energy security. Moving forward, the implementation of these validated plans is expected to set a benchmark for regional cooperation in sustainable energy.