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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SESA’s Living Labs outcomes: The infographic

SESA’s Living Labs outcomes: The infographic

New infographic highlighting the incredible achievements of the Living Labs! The newest infographic  of the project offers a look at the on-the-ground impact of clean energy projects across Africa, detailing how SESA tackled key challenges and created lasting benefits for local communities. This infographic reveals how SESA's grassroots approach led to real change, focusing on: Challenges Overcome: The infographic shows how the project's teams and local partners navigated complex barriers to bring sustainable energy solutions to life. Community Benefits: Discover the positive outcomes for...

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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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A clean energy mission in Africa: SESA final event’s impact in numbers

A clean energy mission in Africa: SESA final event’s impact in numbers

Check out our latest infographic celebrating the success of the SESA-ENERGICA final event! The final SESA-ENERGICA (Energy Access in Urban and Rural Africa) event in Brussels last May marked the project's latest and last significant milestone, highlighting the project's achievements in promoting clean energy and fostering sustainable development across Africa. As showcased in details before, the event brought allowed key stakeholders to discuss a green energy transition that is both effective and equitable.   The event notably covered: Policy and Financial Frameworks: The need for...

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Mission Accomplished: Looking on our final event in Brussels and celebrating SESA’s contribution to African energy

Mission Accomplished: Looking on our final event in Brussels and celebrating SESA’s contribution to African energy

Africa in Transition: Charting a course for a green energy future The "Africa in Transition: A Bright Future for Energy and Local Communities" event, held on May 20-21, 2025, in Brussels, marked a significant culmination for the SESA (Smart Energy Solutions for Africa) and ENERGICA (Energy Access in Urban and Rural Africa) projects. This dynamic two-day gathering united a diverse group of stakeholders, from policymakers and entrepreneurs to academics and project coordinators, fostering critical discussions on the advancements, challenges, and future trajectory of sustainable energy across...

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