Over 150 experts took part in a three-day meeting to discuss the benefits of low-carbon and climate-resilient development in Africa’s manufacturing sector. The workshop is part of a United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) project operational in Egypt, Kenya, Senegal and South Africa which is funded by the Government of Japan.
Participants from the private sector, government officials and beneficiaries from the four countries shared experiences and lessons learned, including the outcomes and benefits from adopting appropriate measures and technologies to make their production processes climate resilient.
“Climate change has been affecting our fruit production for a number of years. Drought decreases production, what ultimately has affected the supply of guava’s, oranges and mangoes. Either because we cannot get enough fruit to produce juice or because increased prices decrease demand,” said Katinka Condes, Quality Assurance Manager at Sir Fruits, one of the beneficiaries.
During the workshop, which was organized by UNIDO and the Kenya National Cleaner Production Centre, Japanese suppliers shared information about their technologies. Participants also visited a factory in Nairobi to discuss engineering issues.
“UNIDO is assisting these countries to develop and implement climate-resilient solutions. We enable the transfer, deployment and scaling-up of technical solutions in the areas of resource and energy efficiency, cleaner production, and waste and effluent management,” said Smail Alhilali, UNIDO Industrial Development Officer.
Betty Maina, Principal Secretary for Industrialization at Kenya’s, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, and Yoshihiko Katayama, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Japanese Embassy in Kenya, attended the event.
“Manufacturing is one of the most important items on our agenda. This project contributes to Kenya’s commitment to develop a robust manufacturing industry and create sustainable jobs,” stated Maina.
“Taking adaptation measures is crucial, especially in developing countries where the economy and society rely on natural resources and the capacity to adapt to natural disasters is very low,” affirmed Katayama.
“I believe the project has stood out for its concrete and practical interventions to achieve climate adaptation in manufacturing, while enhancing the competitiveness of the participating enterprises for growth and job creation,“ said Emmanuel Kalenzi, UNIDO Representative in Kenya.