Accra, 10 October 2023 – The Smart Energy Solutions for Africa (SESA) project, funded by the Horizon 2020 programme from the European Commission, is pleased to announce the Second Regional Event and Policy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana from the 9th to the 13th of October 2023.
The project aimed at providing energy access technologies and business models for sustainable development in Africa. The SESA consortium commitment to engaging with regional authorities, local authorities and citizens takes centre stage in this event, hosted by the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED, Kumasi), consortium member of the SESA project. It is as well supported by key partners within the SESA project such as ICLEI Africa, ICLEI Europe, Technical University Berlin (TUB), Smart Innovation Norway, and the Urban Electric Mobility Initiative.
The event offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage in knowledge sharing, discuss challenges, and explore best practices with representatives from the European Commission and various African countries. The event will also provide insights into the successful implementation of SESA sustainable energy solutions in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana.
Acting as an integral element of the SESA project, the Second Regional Event and Policy Dialogue workshops form part of the Regional Capacity Building in West Africa, North Africa, East Africa, and South Africa. The capacity building aims to integrate and scale up proven technologies and business models for sustainable energy solutions nationally and locally. In Ghana, the project collaborates with stakeholders to identify barriers and policy gaps in energy technology solutions. This analysis will guide refined policy recommendations and the scaling of technologies into innovative business models for sustainable energy.
The agenda includes various workshops such as incubator for the beneficiary start-ups from the SESA Call for Entrepreneurs, an open session about peer-to-peer exchange between European cities and African cities complemented by a climate finance insights session, the peer-to-peer exchange in Kumasi and capacity building. Furthermore, the agenda features an official Energy Policy Dialogue opened by the Ambassador of the European Union, a site visit and launching of innovative energy projects at Nkawie, Kumasi.
The EU Ambassador shared a forward-looking message: “Investing in research and innovation is investing in our future. It improves the daily lives of millions of people here in Ghana, in Europe and around the world, helping to solve some of our biggest societal challenges. Imagine if tomorrow we can use in Ghana the increasing stockpile of retired batteries for new solar panel installations. It could mean cheaper installation, but above all it will means less e-waste. Together, government, companies, universities and donors, European Union and Africa we are capable to win the fight against climate change.”
“Implementing smart energy solutions lies at the nexus of technology, business models, and policy that works at the local and national level. Regional events such as this bring together experts to exchange best practices, identify barriers to implementation and work towards a sustainable energy future.” Magdalena Sikorowska, SESA Project Coordinator, ICLEI Europe.