Standards and labelling (S&L) programmes, already implemented in over 50 countries, have been found to be the most cost-effective measures available for increasing the energy efficiency of electrical appliances. In developing an effective S&L programme, market demand and supply trends must first be considered.

Eva Oberender, REEEP’s Programme Director attended the third Lighting Africa conference in Dakar, Senegal from 13-15 November 2012, and also chaired a session there. Here she shares her impressions from this major gathering of advocates for off-grid lighting in Africa.