Key stakeholders of the Uganda National Alliance for Clean Cooking
(UNACC) met for a two day retreat to consolidate objectives and execute plans
to increase distribution channels and improve the country’s development of the
cookstove market.
Representatives from the clean cookstoves, fuels and the wider renewable
energy sectors, forming part of the National Alliance’s National Executive
Committee (NEC), met on 20-21 February in Uganda to approve the first year’s
operational action plan. The two day event is the first of its kind since the UNACC has affirmed its role as national
co-ordinator of the clean cookstove sector in Uganda.
Discussions were held on forming new partnerships and joint ventures for
resource mobilization; standards, testing and product development; market
development and communication. Members deliberated on the most appropriate ways
to secure further public and private engagement and presentations were given on
internal structures and processes of the represented organisations.
GVEP International is recognized as an important development partner in
the renewable energy sector and a leader on project delivery. Having recruited
hundreds of energy entrepreneurs in programmes focussing on developing
sustainable value chains in order to benefit both cookstove suppliers and
retailers, as well as guaranteeing access to modern, affordable and clean
renewable energy for millions of people. It is on this basis that GVEP was
approached to share their expertise in setting up the National Alliance.
Joel Essien, an SME advisor representing GVEP at the meeting speaks of
the expected outcomes from the collaboration: "Over the course of the year
I hope to see GVEP further strengthen its leverage in the national cookstove
sector and also continue to contribute positively as the lead on the
distribution and market development task force, for the advantage of the
entrepreneurs we support. This will involve close interactions with our
strategic partners in the region," explained Mr Essien.
Currently, in Uganda, GVEP is working to establish distribution channels
for improved cookstove businesses - hence enabling the products to reach new and
underserved areas of Uganda. Engaging with UNACC as a leading strategic
partner, will enable GVEP to extend this reach and create new synergies across
the country.
GVEP is also one of the Global Alliance for Clean
Cookstoves' most active partners throughout Africa, and was
among the first recipients of its annual Spark Fund award, designed to help businesses
enhance capacity and reach scale.
Posted by Meghan Smith
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