- Former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Dr Kandeh Yumkella, will become an adviser to the International Energy Agency (IEA) on Africa and energy access issues.
Dr Yumkella previously served as Chair of UN-Energy, which promotes inter-agency collaboration on energy at the United Nations, between 2008 and 2015 and was the founding CEO of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative.
Dr Yumkella has brought a renewed and vital focus to global energy issues, maintaining a strong commitment to championing energy access.
“I welcome him as an advisor who will bring a wealth of relevant experience and expertise to our activities in Africa and beyond,” said Dr Fatih Birol, the IEA’s executive director.
Prior to his work at the United Nations, Dr Yumkella was Sierra Leone’s Minister for Trade, Industry and State Enterprises and an assistant professor at Michigan State University.
Dr Yumkella’s work for the IEA will include advising on the agency’s 2019 special report on Africa, which will identify key issues and priorities to promote energy development across Africa.
Author: Babalwa Bungane
This article was originally published on ESI Africa and is republished with permission with minor editorial changes.
