D5.2 Barriers and policy gaps to accelerating the green transition and energy access in Africa

D5.2 Barriers and policy gaps to accelerating the green transition and energy access in Africa

Authors:

Painuly, J. P., Romero, J. R., Xia-Bauer, C.,Kehbila,A., &Mungo, C.

The barrier analysis covered in this report falls within Work Package 5, Task 5.2 – Policy development, institutionalisation and integration in local and national plans. Technologies for implementation have been identified by partners in demonstration and validation countries. The technology matrix for demonstration and validation sites can be referred to in Table 1.1 (Chapter 1).

This report covers barriers and policy gaps identified through a literature survey and stakeholder consultations for nine technologies in demonstration and validation countries (referred to as case studies); Productive Use of Solar Energy (PUE), and Electric Mobility (E-mobility) in Kenya, Clean Cooking in Malawi, Second-Life Use of EV Batteries in South Africa, PVs for Household use, and E-mobility in Morocco, Second-life Battery Use as Energy Storage for Solar Photo-voltaic Systems, and Bio-ethanol Technology for Cooking in Ghana, and Solar Irrigation in Rwanda.

Task 5.2 has linkages with other work packages of the project, as well as with other tasks within the same work package (WP 5). Though there are overlaps, inputs from packages WP1 to WP4 on the barriers and needs for policies in their domains (where they dive deep), can strengthen the findings in this area. Policies identified in this work package provide inputs for policy dialogue (WP6).

 

Smart Energy Solutions for Africa to Host Fourth Regional Event in Marrakesh, Morocco Focused on E-Mobility

Smart Energy Solutions for Africa to Host Fourth Regional Event in Marrakesh, Morocco Focused on E-Mobility

Green Energy Park (UM6P, IRESEN), in collaboration with Cadi Ayyad University, is proud to host the Fourth Regional Event of the Smart Energy Solutions for Africa (SESA) project from October 14-16, 2024, in Marrakesh, Morocco. This three-day event, funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 program, will bring together key stakeholders from Africa and Europe to discuss developments in sustainable energy, with a particular focus on electric mobility (e-mobility) and renewable energy solutions.

The event is supported by SESA Partners: ICLEI Europe, ICLEI Africa, Technical University Berlin, Siemens Stiftung, CENEX Netherlands, uYilo e-Mobility Program, WeTu, Blekinge Institute of Technology and F6S.

The Fourth Regional Event in Marrakesh aims to foster collaboration and dialogue on sustainable energy solutions. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, share best practices, and explore innovative ideas that could pave the way for more sustainable energy access across Africa.

SESA’s regional events, including this one in Morocco, serve as key components of the project’s regional capacity-building activities. By working closely with local stakeholders, the project aims to identify policy gaps and implement energy technology solutions that address the unique needs of African communities.

Event Highlights

Capacity Building Program on E-Mobility

The event on October 14th will feature a Capacity Building Program on E-Mobility, offering in-depth knowledge and practical skills. Participants will explore technological trends, conversion techniques, battery recycling, and adoption challenges through expert presentations and discussions. The program aims to equip professionals and decision-makers to lead the shift to electric mobility.

Official Launch of the SESA Toolbox

The official launch of the SESA Toolbox will take place on October 14th. This web-based platform offers open-access resources on sustainable energy, organised into seven categories: Agriculture, Economics, Energy, Environment, IT, Mobility, and Social. Users can filter content by category for quick access to tools, videos, and documents. Designed for policymakers, entrepreneurs, educators, and citizens, the Toolbox supports energy solutions across Africa. Developed by the SESA consortium, with coordination by ICLEI and Cenex NL.

Morocco Policy Dialogue

On October 15th, the Morocco Policy Dialogue will bring together government officials, industry leaders, and academics to validate findings on e-mobility barriers in Morocco. Discussions will focus on policy solutions for infrastructure, regulatory, and technological challenges, while showcasing local innovations like solar-powered mini-grids and second-life battery storage.

Key attendees include Minister Leila Benali, Minister Riad Mezzour, Governor Farid Chourak, IRESEN’s Samir Rachidi, and Green Energy Park’s Mohamed Bousseta, along with European representatives from Barcelona and Cascais. The event aims to align policy with innovation for sustainable mobility in Morocco.

Peer-to-Peer Exchange – Empowering Cities for Renewable Energy and E-Mobility

On October 16th, a Peer-to-Peer Exchange will bring together representatives from Moroccan and European cities to discuss collaboration between local ecosystems—municipalities, businesses, and communities—on renewable energy and e-mobility initiatives. Case studies from Africa and Europe will highlight practical solutions like energy consumption, shared mobility, and energy sharing. Insights from SESA partners involved in smart energy projects will emphasise municipal collaboration and local engagement.

SESA Fourth Regional Event Agenda

About SESA

SESA (Smart Energy Solutions for Africa) is a collaborative project between the European Union and nine African countries aimed at providing energy access technologies and business models. It facilitates the co-development of scalable and replicable energy access innovations, to be tested, validated, and later replicated throughout the African continent.