Italian energy giant, Eni SpA and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are joining forces to improve access to sustainable energy and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.  The partnership is the first of its kind between UNDP and a global energy company.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Eni Chief Executive Officer, Claudio Descalzi, and UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner during an official ceremony hosted by the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations on the margins of the 73rd General Assembly.
“Improving access to energy, especially in Africa is core to our values, and it is now an intrinsic part of our business. We invest more than half of our budget in Africa, boosting the domestic potential and promoting local development. Today’s MoU a first for the energy sector, underscores the credibility of our efforts and the soundness of our business model,” Mr. Descalzi said.
Concerning the agreement, Eni will develop business ventures to increase access to clean energy in the region and UNDP will use its extensive development network in over 170 countries to foster an enabling environment to implement the partnership and assess its sustainable impact in local communities.
Angola, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tanzania are among the first countries slated for the initial roll out of the partnership.
“The private sector is a strategic partner that can help realize our vision for inclusive development, as outlined in Agenda 2030 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.
“UNDP and Eni’s combined expertise, ability to innovate, and on-the-ground networks can enable better access to sustainable energy sources in Africa.