NEF2023 Focuses on Maximising Energy Transition, Investments for Economic Growth

The 8th Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF2023) Conference and Exhibition will focus on maximising energy transition for economic growth, up-skilling energy professionals, boosting clean energy investments and impact in the power sector.

The Chairman of the Forum, Dr Oluwole Adeuyi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

According to the chairman, NEF 2023 conference, workshops, and exhibition will be held onsite in Lagos on July 18 and virtually on Nov 23, 2023.

He said the conference’s theme is entitled: “Maximising Energy Transition for Economic Growth”.

Adeuyi confirmed that over 400 global stakeholders, 50 key speakers, top trainers and exhibitors are expected to participate in the 2023 NEF.

According to him, they will address energy challenges, foster cross-sector growth, and outline practical solutions for energy users, producers, and investors across all levels, including residential, commercial, and industrial applications, following the recent subsidy reforms.

Adeuyi said that the maiden edition of the Tertiary Institutions Students Energy Pitch contest, finals, and awards would also be held the same day and is supported by All On, a Shell-funded impact investment company.

The Top 15 out of 75 tertiary student teams shortlisted from 36 tertiary institutions across 21 different states of Nigeria will pitch their innovative energy solutions at the live finals, and the Top 3 winners will be awarded.

The Co-Chairman of the Forum, Mr Adekunle Makinde, said the event would be held physically in Lagos, at Zone Conference Centre, Gbagada, Lagos while November 23 session would be held as a virtual conference.

Makinde said the US Consulate General in Lagos, Will Stevens, would deliver a keynote presentation on July 18 opening plenary Session.

He also confirmed that other keynote speakers include: Caroline Emboubou, Chief Executive Officer, All On; Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director, Sahara Group; Temitope Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary/Representative of Nigeria Ministry of Power.

Others are Chiedu Ugbo, MD/CEO Niger Delta Power Holding Company, and Inga Stefanowicz, Team Leader, Green and Digital Economy, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

Makinde said the event would also feature over 7 Supersessions on: Energy Transition for Growth Plenary supported by Sahara Group.

“Upscaling Utility-Connected Solar and Decentralised Power, supported by Jinko, will focus on how the new electricity act can boost state government-enabled and private-sector driven power infrastructure.

“Women Energy Champions Supersession, supported by MOJEC and Jubaili Bros Engineering Limited, will highlight success stories of women leaders as role models in the energy transition.

“Mobilizing Renewable Energy Investments Panel” supported by GET.invest will highlight donor financing windows for small and medium enterprises, foster transition to cleaner energy technologies and boost developer-led climate-smart solutions,” he said.

GET.invest is a European programme which aims to mobilise investment in renewable energy, supported by the European Union, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and Austria.

Dr Bamise Olanrewaju, the NEF2023 Strategy and Innovation Lead, said that over 25 key speakers and panellists have confirmed participation at the NEF2023 conference.

“They include Olumide Fatoki, Head of Unit (On-& Off-Grid), Sustainable Energy Access
Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), GIZ; Chantelle Abdul, Group Managing Director (GMD) Mojec International.

Esther Jerome, Nigeria Sales Representative, Jinko Solar; Yasser Farhat, Lead Engineer, Jubaili Bros Engineering; Mobolaji Fadeyibi, Business Development Manager, West & Central Africa, Sun King; and Adetayo Bamiduro, Cofounder Max.

Also, the Africa Energy Innovation Contest organised by NEF2023 is currently open for young professionals below age 35 to propose innovation clean energy solutions across four tracks.

They are Clean Energy for Agro-Industry; supported by GET.invest; Energizing Healthcare; Supported by Sahara; Smart Metering; Supported by MOJEC International and Cleaner Electrification of Oil and Gas/Transport, supported by Oando Clean Energy Limited.