Abu Dhabi sustainability week (ADSW) launched on Monday with a panel discussion on the future of renewable energy development in Africa.

The panel looked at opportunities for economic growth in Africa and what the continent needs to increade sustainably.

“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Africa is the continent of the future,” President MackySall of Senegal said at the ADSW opening ceremony. Sall, called on governments and private companies to view Africa as an important partner in global sustainable development moving forward.

The panel was moderated by Adnan Z. Amin, director-general of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). IRENA recently announced a new initiative to develop an Africa Clean Energy Corridor. This will encourage the accelerated expansion of renewable energy options in Eastern and Southern Africa. The agency will help countries conduct assessments of wind, solar and other renewable energy resources, as well as look at the economic benefits of renewable energy.