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Beyond SESA: Advancing Sustainable Energy and Mobility through University partnerships

Beyond SESA: Advancing Sustainable Energy and Mobility through University partnerships

by | Oct 29, 2025 | News

On 29th September 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed by university partners under the Smart Energy Solutions for Africa (SESA) project, an initiative funded under the Horizon 2020 programme by the European Commission.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration among leading African and European universities to strengthen research, innovation, and capacity building in sustainable energy and mobility. The signatory institutions are: 

Through this MoU, the parties commit to: 

  • Conducting joint research and academic programmes 
  • Facilitating staff and student exchanges 
  • Sharing data, methodologies, and expertise via the SESA Knowledge and Research Platform 
  • Supporting the training of researchers, professionals, and students across regions 

This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing innovative energy solutions that enhance sustainable development, energy access, and climate resilience in African cities and beyond. 

Business Model – South Africa E-mobility

by | Oct 28, 2025 | Business Models

Business Model – South Africa E-mobility

Summary

Alicedale, a rural town in South Africa, faces major challenges including high unemployment, poor transport access, unreliable electricity, and limited amenities. To address these issues, the SESA project established a Living Lab featuring a solar energy center and two micro-electric vehicles for passenger and cargo transport. This initiative promotes affordable mobility and renewable energy adoption. The solar center uses second-life EV batteries for off-grid energy storage, while the vehicles support community transport needs. The project aims to improve quality of life and serve as a replicable model for similar communities in other South African provinces and across Africa.

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Business Model – Morocco E-mobility

by | Oct 28, 2025 | Business Models

Business Model – Morocco E-mobility

Summary

The SESA Urban Living Lab in Morocco promotes electric mobility to reduce transport-related CO₂ emissions and improve urban air quality. Led by Green Energy Park (GEP) and local partner POGO, the initiative deployed 40 electric scooters across the cities of Marrakech, Agadir, Fez, Benguerir, and Casablanca. Originally aimed at supporting female students, the project expanded to broader user groups. Over 25 months, the e-scooter traveled 650,000 km, saving 51 tons of CO₂ and prompting the planting of 650 trees. The initiative aligns with national sustainability strategies and UN SDGs, offering a scalable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional motorcycles.

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Business Model – Malawi Irrigation

by | Oct 28, 2025 | Business Models

Business Model – Malawi Irrigation

Summary

SEE in Malawi has implemented an innovative lease-to-own business model for solar-powered irrigation systems targeting smallholder rice farmers in Northern Malwai. Smart Energy Enterprise (SEE) was contracted through an open call by Siemens Foundation under the SESA project and has received support from the SESA incubator program. Throughout the SESA project, SEE introduced the Kanyumba Solar Irrigation Package, designed for rice farming using surface water sources. The model enables farmers to pay in instalments aligned with harvest cycles, improving affordability and accessibility. Embedded digital management systems, after-sales services, and strategic partnerships with financial institutions and NGOs enhance sustainability. SEE managed to demonstrate viability of their approach within the SESA project period.

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Business Model – Malawi Briquetting

by | Oct 28, 2025 | Business Models

Business Model – Malawi Briquetting

Summary

The SESA Malawi Living Lab demonstrates a briquetting business model that transforms agricultural waste—specifically sunflower stalks— into clean cooking fuel. Implemented by Going Green who is working with 200 farmer clubs (5,000 smallholder farmers) to produce sunflower oil and cake. GG provides certified seeds and agronomic support, ensuring high- quality yields. After harvest, GG purchases the produce at competitive prices to maintain farmer loyalty. As part of the SESA project, Going Green diversified its business by expanding into briquette production from sunflower stalks, and this way advancing circular economy practices through the reuse of agricultural residues.

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