PAMA Mulls Lower Energy Costs, Others For African Manufacturers
The Pan African Manufacturers Association (PAMA) is pushing for lower energy costs, affordable long-term financing, and efficient logistics, among others to rescue African manufacturers from heavy operational constraints.
This position was made known when the Pan African Manufacturers Association (PAMA) convened its Quarterly Capacity-Building Webinar on 11 June 2026 under the theme “Cutting Energy Costs: How African Manufacturers Can Stay Competitive Amid Global Pressures.”
The virtual event brought together manufacturers, industry leaders and development partners to examine practical strategies for reducing industrial energy costs and strengthening the competitiveness of African manufacturing.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of PAMA President, Engr. Ahmed Mansur, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, CoSecretary General, described affordable, reliable and sustainable energy as a prerequisite for Africa’s industrialisation and the successful implementation of the AfCFTA.
He noted that persistent power shortages, inadequate infrastructure and dependence on self-generation continue to drive up production costs, particularly for small and medium-sized manufacturers.
He called for policies that expand access to affordable financing, accelerate investment in energy infrastructure and promote energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption across the continent.
The keynote presentation by Ms. Rana Ghoneim, Director of the Division for Energy and Climate Action at UNIDO, highlighted energy efficiency, renewable energy deployment and industrial decarbonisation as practical pathways to reducing manufacturing costs while improving productivity and competitiveness.
She also showcased UNIDO’s programmes supporting clean technologies, green industrial development, technical assistance and access to financing for manufacturers.
She encouraged manufacturers to leverage UNIDO’s programme support and partnership.
In his closing remarks, PAMA Co-Secretary General, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, reaffirmed the PAMA’s commitment to partnering with UNIDO and other stakeholders to expand Africa manufacturers’ access to technical support, financing opportunities and sustainable energy solutions, while urging participants to translate the insights gained into practical actions that will strengthen Africa’s industrial competitiveness. Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Farimang Saho, President of the Confederation of Gambian Industries (CGI), commended the speaker, participants and the PAMA Secretariat for a successful webinar and expressed confidence that the knowledge shared would support more energy-efficient, resilient and competitive manufacturing across the continent.