The SESA project recently hosted its Fourth Regional Event in Marrakech, Morocco, focusing on the theme: “Accelerating e-mobility: Capacity building for sustainable transport solutions in Africa.” This multi-day event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including postgraduate students, researchers, practitioners, government officials, and industry leaders, to explore the transformative potential of e-mobility in addressing urban mobility challenges in Africa.

Day 1: Building Capacity and Exploring E-Mobility Solutions

The first day kicked off with a capacity-building session attended by over 100 participants, primarily students from the University Cadi Ayyad. This session provided a comprehensive overview of e-mobility, covering technological advancements, innovative approaches, and real-world applications. Presentations and discussions explored e-mobility solutions in Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, and Spain, highlighting the critical role of e-mobility in driving sustainable development and creating low-carbon cities. One of the main highlights was the launch of the newly developed SESA Toolbox (+LINK), an open-source platform designed to empower stakeholders with technical knowledge and tools for e-mobility implementation. This interactive platform was indeed very well-received by participants.

In the afternoon, a select group of participants, including representatives from SESA Living Labs in Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa, embarked on a site visit to Pogo, a local e-scooter company in Marrakech. This visit provided additional valuable insights into the company’s business model and its successful deployment of e-scooters in the city. The exchange of knowledge and experiences among participants from different African countries proved to be a central aspect of this site visit, putting human relations and exchange of ideas and input at the center of the project.

Day 2: Policy Dialogue and Innovation for E-Mobility

The second day shifted focus to policy frameworks and innovative solutions. A high-level policy dialogue brought together government officials, industry leaders, and academics to address critical barriers to e-mobility adoption in Morocco. Discussions centered on regulatory frameworks, charging infrastructure development, and the integration of e-mobility with renewable energy sources like solar-powered mini-grids and second-life battery storage. After the panel, the day concluded with presentations showcasing successful e-mobility and renewable energy projects from Africa and Europe, providing beneficial lessons, as well as best practices for African countries.

Day 3: Peer-to-Peer Exchange and Collaboration

The final day of the event fostered peer-to-peer learning and collaboration through a dynamic exchange program! Representatives from Moroccan and European cities shared experiences and strategies for advancing renewable energy and e-mobility. The sessions highlighted practical solutions, such as optimizing energy consumption, implementing shared mobility systems, and fostering energy sharing practices within communities. This exchange facilitated connections between stakeholders and encouraged the development of collaborative projects that can accelerate the adoption of clean energy and mobility solutions across Africa.

The SESA Regional Event in Marrakech was a resounding success! Through a combination of capacity-building sessions, policy dialogues, site visits, and peer-to-peer exchanges, the event effectively equipped participants with the knowledge and tools needed to advance e-mobility in Africa. The event fostered regional collaboration, strengthened partnerships between stakeholders, and promoted the adoption of sustainable transport solutions. The positive feedback from participants and the valuable knowledge and ideas gained during the event underscored the significance of such collaborative initiatives in driving the transition to a sustainable energy future in Africa.

Revisit the event HERE. 

Co-authors:  Claudia Schröder – ICLEI AS and Zakariae OUACHAKRADI – Green Energy Park