Sec. 5. Development of a comprehensive, multiyear strategy
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The President shall establish a comprehensive, integrated, multiyear policy, partnership, and funding strategy to encourage countries in sub-Saharan Africa to develop an appropriate mix of power solutions, including renewable energy, to provide sufficient electricity access to people living in rural and urban areas in order to alleviate poverty and drive economic growth. Such strategy shall maintain sufficient flexibility and remain responsive to technological innovation in the power sector.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a report setting forth the strategy described in subsection (a). The report required by paragraph
(1)shall include a discussion of the elements described in paragraph (3), and should include a discussion of any additional elements relevant to the strategy described in subsection (a). The elements referred to in paragraph
(2)are the following: The general and specific objectives of the strategy described in subsection (a), the criteria for determining success of the strategy, a description of the manner in which the strategy will support partner country efforts to increase production and improve access to electricity, and criteria and indicators used to select partner countries for focused engagement on the power sector. Development, by partner country governments, of plans and regulations at the national, regional, and local level to increase power production, strengthen existing electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure, bolster accountable governance and oversight, and improve access to electricity. Administration plans to support partner country efforts to increase new access to electricity, including a description of how the strategy will address commercial and residential needs, as well as urban and rural access. Administration strategy to support partner country efforts to reduce government waste, fraud, and corruption, and improve existing power generation through improvement of existing transmission and distribution systems, as well as the use of a broad power mix, including renewable energy, and the use of a distributed generation model. Administration policy to support partner country efforts to attract private sector investment and public sector resources. A description of the Administration’s strategy for the transfer of relevant technology, skills, and information to increase local participation in the long-term maintenance and management of the power sector to ensure investments are sustainable and transparent, including details of the programs to be undertaken to maximize United States contributions in the areas of technical assistance and training. An identification of the relevant executive branch agencies that will be involved in carrying out the strategy, the level and distribution of resources that will be dedicated on an annual basis among such agencies, timely and comprehensive publication of aid information and available transmission of resource data consistent with Administration commitments to implement the transparency measures specified in the International Aid Transparency Initiative by December 2015, the assignment of priorities to such agencies, a description of the role of each such agency, and the types of programs that each such agency will undertake. A description of the mechanisms that will be utilized by the Administration, including the International Aid Transparency Initiative, to coordinate the efforts of the relevant executive branch agencies in carrying out the strategy to avoid duplication of efforts, enhance coordination, and ensure that each agency undertakes programs primarily in those areas where each such agency has the greatest expertise, technical capabilities, and potential for success. A description of the mechanisms that will be established by the Administration for monitoring and evaluating the strategy and its implementation, including procedures for learning and sharing best practices among relevant executive branch agencies, as well as among participating countries, and for terminating unsuccessful programs. A description of the Administration’s engagement plan, consistent with international best practices, to ensure local and affected communities are informed, consulted, and benefit from projects encouraged by the United States, as well as the environmental and social impacts of the projects. A description of the mechanisms that will be utilized to ensure greater coordination between the United States and foreign governments, international organizations, African regional economic communities, international fora, the private sector, and civil society organizations. A description of how United States leadership will be used to enhance the overall international response to prioritizing electricity access for sub-Saharan Africa and to strengthen coordination among relevant international forums such as the Post-2015 Development Agenda and the G8 and G20, as well as the status of efforts to support reforms that are being undertaken by partner country governments. An outline of how the Administration intends to partner with foreign governments, the international community, and other public sector entities, civil society groups, and the private sector to assist sub-Saharan African countries to conduct comprehensive project feasibility studies and facilitate project development. A description of how the Administration intends to help facilitate transnational and regional power and electrification projects where appropriate.