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Ten clean energy projects representing a total aggregate investment of over USD 80 million in bio-fuels, solar, biomass and hydro-power initiatives developed by West African entrepreneurs and companies were presented to investors in Accra at the West Africa Forum for Clean Energy Financing (WAFCEF). WAFCEF was the final stage of a business plan competition launched in March 2013 by the Climate Technology Initiative Private Financing Advisory Network (CTI-PFAN) and the Ecowas Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), in partnership with theSustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) and other regional partners. The event was deemed a success with the participation of more than 100 financiers, clean energy experts and representatives of financial institutions from across Africa and overseas. According to Joao Duarte Cunha, Coordinator of SEFA, “this initiative united like-minded partners interested in harnessing the entrepreneurial talent of the region to promote economic progress by using West Africa’s vast clean energy resources. WAFCEF really connected all the dots - entrepreneurs, ideas, advisory support and financing – and provided a platform for the often neglected smaller clean energy projects to succeed”. The contest entailed the presentation of ten qualified project sponsors that will have the opportunity to present their business plans to potential investors and make a pitch for financing. The goal was to identify the most promising business ideas and unlock renewable energy and energy efficiency investment in West Africa. The 10 projects had been selected from over 70 submissions from across the ECOWAS region for their economic viability and environmental benefits. Before being presented at the Forum, each of them had received intensive mentoring from professional consultants. SME Funds Bioethanol Scale-Up Project from Nigeria was picked as the winner of the WAFCEF 2013 business plan competition. This project is looking to raise USD 21 million of investment for the spinning-off of a successful second-generation bio-ethanol production and cook stove manufacturing operation. The bioethanol is produced from sawdust and water hyacinth, using proprietary and patented technology, and then further refined to produce a safe and highly efficient bio-gel for use in specially manufactured cook stoves, which are also produced by SME Funds, for distribution through a unique distribution network to service rural and peri-urban Nigeria. The judges also selected three runners-up in the business plan competition:
It is very essential through technology certain products are derived to facilitate and improve the the living standards of people. The best part of it all is serving all classes of people, making Africa independent on home made products.