MCDF Expert Outlines Keys to Supporting High-Quality Connectivity Investment at Global Energy Interconnection Conference

An expert from the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF) shared insights on promoting high-quality cross-border energy connectivity infrastructure investment during a panel at the 2025 Global Energy Interconnection Conference held on 9 September in Beijing.

The conference was hosted by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO). It brought together large numbers of International Financial Institutions (IFIs), other multilateral organizations, and partners to discuss cross-border energy development priorities under the theme “Global Energy Interconnection: Meeting Worldwide Electricity Demand Through Clean and Green Solutions.”

Joining a panel on overseas markets and best practices, Mr. Strahan Spencer, Head of MCDF’s Platform Team, outlined ingredients for the effective development and innovative financing of green energy projects. They include cross-border energy connectivity to fully harness clean energy sources, high-quality project preparation to ensure environmental, social, and economic sustainability, and IFIs’ technical expertise, risk mitigation tools, and policy capacity building. MCDF helps to bring these ingredients together by supporting high-quality connectivity infrastructure investment in developing countries through partnerships, Mr. Spencer explained.

He highlighted MCDF’s project preparation and capacity building grants for green energy connectivity projects being implemented by accredited MCDF Implementing Partners. An example includes MCDF grant support for the Luapula Hydropower Project, a cross-border energy initiative between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia that is being implemented by the African Development Bank.

Mr. Spencer also underscored the importance of information-sharing among governments, IFIs, the private sector, and other financiers for promoting high-quality energy connectivity investment based on the application of IFI standards and good practices. He noted MCDF’s recent Workshop Series on Innovations in Renewable Energy Technology and Connectivity, cohosted with Saudi Arabia’s Finance Ministry, the Islamic Development Bank, and Asian Development Bank, and supported by GEIDCO.

Other panelists joining Mr. Spencer included Mr. Martin Abeles, Director of the Natural Division at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. James Wahogo, Secretary General of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), and Mr. Anthony Mongameli Mehlwana of the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

On the margins of the conference, Mr. Spencer and Mr. Erick Mariga, Sustainable Development Specialist at MCDF, held bilateral meetings with Mr. Wahogo and Mr. Zalalem Gebrehiwot, Technical Director at EAPP, and Mr. Mehlwana to discuss opportunities for deepening cooperation between MCDF and EAPP and UNECA, respectively.