In the framework of the World Solar Programme (1996-2005), a document entitled World Solar Programme 1996-2005: Africa - Mechanisms of Implementation (An Outline) was elaborated by UNESCO and furnished to national authorities in Africa.

Two UNESCO Chairs on renewable energy have been created, one at the University of Benin in Lomé, Togo, in August 1999, and the other at Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey, Niger, in April 2000, covering the areas of solar energy, wind power, biomass and environment. In addition, the second UNESCO Summer School for English-speaking Africa, "Solar Energy for Rural Electrification"; was held from 16 to 27 October in Harare, Zimbabwe, where support was given to 33 young engineers, project managers and technicians from seven countries of the SADC region. Two learning/teaching manuals on renewable energies based mainly on the best practices and know-how of organizations working in the field were prepared and produced with a view to their popular use within southern Africa.

UNESCO was actively engaged in the preparations for the meeting "Promotion of Renewable Energies in Africa" held in Niamey, Niger, from 22 to 25 January 2001 under the patronage of H.E. Mr Mamadou Tandja, President of Niger and member of the World Solar Commission. Major discussion topics at the Niamey meeting were (a) education and training policy on renewable energies, (b) decentralized rural electrification and environmental protection, and (c) renewable energies for development.

Assistance was given to Madagascar for the setting-up of a solar village including the electrification of public buildings through photovoltaic systems and the training of villagers in equipment maintenance. The project came to an end in November 2000 and the government has requested an extension. Agreement has also been reached with the National Research Centre at Rogbane in Conakry, Guinea, to set up a rural solar electrification demonstration project in the West African country.

In addition, as part of the intersectoral "Culture of Maintenance" activity, preparations are under way to establish an "African Centre for Maintenance" and "Maintenance Network".

African Solar Programme: 1997 - 1999

On UNESCO’s initiative, the World Solar Summit was held in Harare on 16 and 17 September 1996. This Summit launched the World-Africa Solar Programme 1996-2005, and the constituent meeting of the African Solar Council, chaired by the President of the Republic of Senegal was held in Senegal on 16 September 1999. Several subregional and regional seminars have already been held on solar electricity and renewable energies. UNESCO has prepared fact sheets on high-priority African projects included in the African Solar Programme 1996-2005, and a document entitled “World Solar Programme 1996-2005: Africa, machinery and implementation” (see homepage http://www.unesco.org/science/wsp/). At the OAU Conference of African Ministers of Education (COMEDAF I), held in Harare from 17 to 19 March 1999, a resolution was adopted on the launching of activities in Africa in the context of the Global Renewable Energy Education and Training Programme (GREETP), which is the main component of the World Solar Programme.