AYV News, September 22, 2025
The Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) and the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) have presented a prestigious Lifetime Leadership Award to Hon. Alhaji Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, recognising his transformative contribution to Sustainable energy in Africa and beyond.
The award was presented during a high-level celebration in Banjul, underscoring Dr. Yumkella’s enduring influence on West Africa’s energy transition and his global leadership in renewable energy and climate action.
The accolade specifically acknowledges Dr. Yumkella’s pioneering role in establishing ECREEE during his tenure as two term Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) from 2005 to 2013. Under his leadership, ECREEE became a cornerstone institution in West Africa, promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency as key drivers of regional development.
Beyond UNIDO, Dr. Yumkella’s global impact includes serving as Chair of the UN-Energy Group for nearly a decade, where he brought together multiple UN agencies to align policies on sustainable energy.
He further cemented his legacy as the founding CEO and UN Under-Secretary-General of Sustainability Energy for All (SEforALL) between 2013 and 2015; a groundbreaking initiative that placed universal energy access at the center of international development and climate agendas.
In presenting the award, ECOWAS and ECREEE hailed Dr. Yumkella’s unwavering commitment to advancing energy security, Climate resilience, and inclusive growth. His leadership has inspired governments, multilateral agencies, and private sector partners to scale up investments in clean energy solutions across Africa.
This recognition not only celebrates past achievements but also highlights Dr. Yumkella’s continued role as a thought leader and advocate for Africa’s sustainable future.
