Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

APRA National Action Plans (NAPs) are strategic frameworks developed in collaboration with African countries to accelerate the implementation of renewable energy transitions. These plans outline specific goals, priorities, and actions required to achieve sustainable energy development, green industrialization, and economic growth. Each NAP is tailored to the unique circumstances, priorities, and aspirations of the respective country, ensuring alignment with their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The plans encompass a range of initiatives, including large-scale renewable energy projects, policy development, capacity building, and private sector engagement.

The development of APRA National Action Plans involves comprehensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders. These consultations include bilateral meetings with key government ministries and agencies, workshops with public and private sector entities, and engagement with international partners. The process is designed to ensure that the plans are inclusive, context- specific, and aligned with national development strategies. Stakeholders such as energy providers, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and civil society organizations contribute their insights and expertise to shape the NAPs. This collaborative approach ensures that the plans reflect the diverse needs and opportunities within each country.

After extensive country engagement, the APRA Secretariat drafts the consultation report, which is then reviewed by the country for accuracy and completeness. Following finalization and dissemination by the APRA Secretariat, priority actions are identified with the country selecting these actions from the consultation report and wider national strategies, supported by the APRA Secretariat. Partners are engaged to align these priority actions with their cooperation frameworks, followed by a country-level review and validation. Together with the country, the APRA Secretariat then prepares a draft country action plan, which undergoes feedback and alignment by APRA partners, and final review and endorsement by the country.

The implementation of APRA National Action Plans is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders. Key government ministries and agencies take the lead in executing the initiatives outlined in the plans, supported by technical assistance and capacity building from APRA and its partners. Private sector entities play a crucial role in investing in and developing renewable energy projects, while international donors and financial institutions provide the necessary funding. Civil society organizations and local communities are also engaged to ensure that the benefits of the projects are widely distributed and contribute to sustainable development. The APRA Secretariat, hosted by IRENA, coordinates these efforts, ensuring that the implementation is aligned with the strategic objectives and timelines set out in the NAPs but also that the progress and impact of all activities are well communicated. These efforts are also supplemented by outreach to find additional partners to fill implementation gaps.

National Action Plans are dynamic documents that are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect new developments, emerging challenges, and opportunities. The updating process involves ongoing consultations with stakeholders, monitoring of progress against set targets, and incorporation of lessons learned from implementation. Regular progress reports and performance evaluations are planned to assess the impact of the initiatives and identify areas for improvement. This iterative process ensures that the NAPs remain relevant, effective, and aligned with national and international goals.