A8 · Continental - 55 African Union member states, under the African Energy Efficiency Programme (AfEEP)
Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for electric appliances and equipment in Africa
- Period
- 2025 – 2028
- Client
- African Energy Commission (AFREC)
- AESG's role
- Joint venture - energy efficiency and policy expert
- Where
- Continental - 55 African Union member states, under the African Energy Efficiency Programme (AfEEP)
Support to the African Energy Efficiency Programme on the development, harmonisation and adoption of Minimum Energy Performance Standards and labelling schemes for electrical appliances across the continent.
Three tasks. First, MEPS handbooks: a review of existing standards, labelling schemes and test methods at national, regional and continental level; mapping of adoption status across African countries, distinguishing mandatory from voluntary; benchmarking against global practice; and detailed handbooks for fifteen appliance categories including lighting, refrigerators, air conditioners, motors, fans, transformers, water heaters, washing machines, televisions and electric cooking appliances, each validated through workshops. Second, capacity building: bilingual English and French training programmes, in person and virtual, for AU member states, the regional renewable energy and energy efficiency centres and pan-African institutions, with selection criteria, pre- and post-assessment, certification and e-learning materials. Third, direct support to member states adopting MEPS — market assessments with in-country experts, technical support to national working groups on test methods and regulatory frameworks, and public consultation processes.
What the work involved
- Designed and delivered comprehensive training programmes (physical and virtual) for African Union Member States, Regional Centres for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEEs), and Pan-African institutions
- Developed bilingual (English/French) training materials, including e-learning content and practical tools for assessing financial, economic, and environmental impacts of MEPS
- Conducted annual in-person training sessions for high-level experts from Ministries of Energy across Africa
- Established trainee selection criteria, assessment frameworks, and evaluation mechanisms (pre/post assessments, feedback systems)
- Provided certification, training reports, and strategic recommendations for continuous improvement and knowledge dissemination. Task 3: Support to Member States
- Supported Member States in adopting and implementing MEPS through technical advisory and stakeholder coordination
- Conducted detailed market assessments in collaboration with in-country experts to evaluate readiness and impact of MEPS adoption
- Provided technical support to national working groups on development of test methods, standards, and regulatory frameworks
- Facilitated public consultations and stakeholder engagement processes for validation and adoption of national MEPS standards. ACTIVITIES PERFORMED 1.Reviewed continental frameworks including AfEEP, AfEES, and AU guidelines to ensure alignment with regional energy efficiency goals
- Developed harmonized methodologies and tools to support consistent MEPS adoption across diverse regulatory environments
Further reading
Detail from AESG Company Profile 2026, p.15.