Beyond SESA: Advancing Sustainable Energy and Mobility through University partnerships

Beyond SESA: Advancing Sustainable Energy and Mobility through University partnerships

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:  Blekinge Institute of Technology (Sweden)  Nelson Mandela University (South Africa)  University of Rwanda – CASTLS...

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New publication: Practical Operation and Maintenance Manual for Solar Irrigation Systems

New publication: Practical Operation and Maintenance Manual for Solar Irrigation Systems

A SPIS is a clean and sustainable irrigation technology that utilizes solar energy to pump and distribute water for agricultural use. As water scarcity and unreliable energy access continue to challenge agricultural productivity, SPIS offers a sustainable alternative to the most common irrigation systems by reducing dependence on fossil fuel sources, preventing from the consequences of their volatile prices. By replacing diesel- or gasoline-powered pumps, it lowers greenhouse gas emissions, reduces air pollution, and generates significant cost savings for farmers. Beyond lowering operating...

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New publication: Practical Operation and Maintenance Manual on Solar Cooling Systems

New publication: Practical Operation and Maintenance Manual on Solar Cooling Systems

Solar cooling systems are generally divided into two types: passive and active. Passive solar cooling does not use any mechanical devices or electricity. Instead, it relies on smart building design and natural processes to keep spaces cool. For example, buildings can be designed to have proper shading, reflective roofing materials, and good air flow through windows or vents. These methods help to reduce indoor heat without using any machines. They are simple, cost-effective, and very useful, especially in areas where access to electricity is limited. Active solar cooling, on the other hand,...

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New publication: Practical operation and maintenance manual for clean cooking stoves

New publication: Practical operation and maintenance manual for clean cooking stoves

Clean cooking refers to the practice of using cooking technologies and fuels that reduce pollution and harmful emissions of greenhouse gases and improve efficiency. It is about shifting away from traditional methods like open fires and inefficient stoves that burn wood, cow dung, or other solid polluting fuels towards modern and cleaner alternatives.  In fact, more 950 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa are still dependent on wood or charcoal (United Nations Climate Change, 2021) with severe consequences especially for women, children, and other vulnerable groups who spend hours collecting...

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SESA Policy briefs on Green electric infrastructure, Agri-food systems, and Acceleration of sustainable growth through Innovation, Education and Awareness Raising

SESA Policy briefs on Green electric infrastructure, Agri-food systems, and Acceleration of sustainable growth through Innovation, Education and Awareness Raising

Despite Africa’s vast renewable energy potential – particularly in solar – more than 600 million people, or approximately 43% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa, still lack access to electricity (IEA, 2022). This enduring energy gap compels millions to rely on polluting and expensive fuels such as kerosene and biomass. These fuels not only strain household finances but also pose serious health risks and contribute significantly to environmental degradation (WHO, 2024)  The burden of energy poverty disproportionately affects women and girls, deepening gender inequalities by increasing...

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New publication: Practical operation and maintenance manual on community information spots (infospots)

New publication: Practical operation and maintenance manual on community information spots (infospots)

In many communities, accessing reliable internet can be a challenge. Lack of infrastructure, high costs, and limited knowledge can create a significant digital divide. But what if there was a way to provide essential online resources that are both accessible and affordable? The answer lies in Community Information Spots, or InfoSpots, and a new manual designed to help communities, operators, and users get the most out of them. Introducing the PRACTICAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL ON COMMUNITY INFORMATION SPOTS (INFOSPOTS). Developed by the SESA project (Smart Energy Solutions for...

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New publication: Practical operation and maintenance manual for Solar PV Systems

New publication: Practical operation and maintenance manual for Solar PV Systems

Are you a technician, a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) proprietor, or an ordinary consumer looking to master the operation and maintenance of your solar photovoltaic (PV) systems? Look no further! Introducing the Practical operation and and Maintenance manual for Solar PV: A Comprehensive Guide to Efficient Solar Energy Management and Maintenance, a new publication from the SESA project (Smart Energy Solution for Africa) - Authors: Engr. Dr Albert Kotawoke Awopone, Prof Isaac Boateng, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED); Edem...

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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...

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The Journey of the SESA Toolbox: From Idea to Product

The Journey of the SESA Toolbox: From Idea to Product

The global drive toward sustainable energy solutions has never been more critical, especially in regions where energy access can transform lives and economies. SESA—Smart Energy Solutions for Africa—is at the forefront of this movement, representing a collaborative effort between the European Union and nine African nations: Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania. A Collaborative Vision for Africa's Energy Future Funded by Horizon 2020, SESAs mission is to deploy scalable energy technologies and business models that can be easily replicated across...

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SESA Project at EURESFO 2024: A Glimpse into Urban Resilience

SESA Project at EURESFO 2024: A Glimpse into Urban Resilience

The SESA Project recently participated in the 11th edition of the European Urban Resilience Forum (EURESFO) in Valencia, the European Green Capital for 2024. This prestigious event gathered 450 participants from 35 countries to discuss the future of urban resilience and sustainability. EURESFO 2024 featured three main thematic streams and a special thematic stream, each addressing crucial aspects of resilience, sustainable development, and recovery. The first stream focused on multilevel governance, cooperation, and the imperative of a just transition. The second stream explored water...

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