AU/UNIDO/Brazil High-Level Seminar on Biofuel

In order to harness the opportunities of biofuel development in Africa for poverty reduction, energy security, and economic growth, African policy-makers are urged to develop as a matter of priority, policies, regulations and strategies.

Policies, regulations and strategies should encompass, inter alia, the following principles: 1) Linking to a overall national/regional development vision; 2) Ensuring sustainability (economic, social, environmental); 3) Ensuring equity (gender and inter-generation); 4) Ensuring optimal participation of all stakeholders; 5) Ensuring poverty reduction focus; 6) Supporting holistic cross-sectoral approach.

Policies, regulations and strategies for biofuel in Africa should promote local consumption, favor whenever feasible the usage of marginal lands and existing feedstock, establish safeguard for food security through appropriate national consumption and export targets.

Policies, regulations and strategies for biofuel in Africa should emphasize local transformation, R&D, technology transfer and innovation activities.

Policies, regulations and strategies for biofuel in Africa should include adequate national funding for capacity building, small scale production, and foster private sector participation through transparent PPP.