French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday pledged to increase French funding for supporting new and renewable energy in Africa by more than 2 billion dollars during the period 2016-2020.

The remark was made in his speech at the African summit that was held on the sidelines of Paris climate change conference, now in session in France.

Up to 12 African heads of state and the UN chief attended the African summit.

Projects that will be financed by France in Africa fall within the framework of the African initiative for renewable energy that was adopted by the African Union.

These projects seek encouraging the use of renewable energy sources such as solar energy and thermal energy, he added.