Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, recently delivered a crucial message on energy transition at the UK Parliament and provided insightful oral evidence to the Just Energy Transition Inquiry Committee of the UK’s All Parliamentary Group for Africa. His engagement with Lord Johnny Oates and the committee aimed to inform important debates and policy-making in Westminster, highlighting Africa’s perspectives on energy transition.
From his office at State House in Freetown, Dr. Yumkella delivered compelling oral evidence via Zoom, focusing on the international regulatory environment. His insights covered various topics, including value chain regulation safeguarding social and environmental rights, reforms in trade and investment rules for green tech transfer, and the necessity of robust carbon market regulations.
In addition to his parliamentary engagement, Dr. Yumkella also delivered opening remarks for the International Energy Agency (IEA) high-level Ministerial workshop in Paris. This workshop served as a preparatory event for the upcoming summit on Clean Cooking in Africa, to be co-chaired by the President of Tanzania and the Prime Minister of Norway.
Dr. Yumkella’s extensive experience in public policy, both globally and nationally, has made him a sought-after figure in the field. With decades of involvement in public policy, including as a former minister and legislator, and his current role as Chair of PI-CREF, he brings valuable insights to the table. His previous positions, such as Head of the UN Specialized Agency, Chair of UN-Energy, and CEO of SE4All, have contributed to shaping global initiatives like SDG-7 and SDG-9.
Under President Bio’s Big 5 game changers, PI-CREF, in collaboration with relevant ministries, is actively working on a just energy transition plan for Sierra Leone. Additionally, assessments for a clean cooking strategy and locally-led climate action will commence shortly. Efforts to attract investors to Sierra Leone are also underway, with the realization of these efforts depending on a comprehensive approach to national development involving all government sectors.
