A unified vision for policy and practice

 “The focus of our research and innovation actions with African partners is translating research results into market-ready results by developing renewable energy solutions with local communities to answer their needs, and strengthening local value chains to generate economic growth”. Philippe Schild, Senior Expert Clean Energy Transition, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission

A central theme throughout the event was the critical need for robust policy frameworks to underpin sustainable energy technologies in Africa. Discussions highlighted key recommendations across several central areas:

• Policy and Regulation: Emphasizing the need for frameworks that support maintenance, strengthen local supply chains, and align with international standards. Specific calls included interoperable charging infrastructure and tax incentives for e-mobility, national support for solar SMEs in mini- and nano-grids, and infrastructure for battery recycling. For clean cooking, improved coordination, integrated planning, and financial strategies, along with carbon credit certification, were deemed vital.
• Financial Support: The essential role of accessible finance for both SMEs and customers was underscored, with suggestions for microfinance tailored to local needs and dedicated financial strategies for clean cooking SMEs. The European Commission’s active work on instruments like the European Fund for Sustainable Development and the Fund for Energy Inclusiveness was also highlighted.
• Capacity Building & Awareness: The event stressed the necessity of more training and awareness around new technologies, including identifying skill gaps, providing targeted training through TVETs and universities, and supporting user training via community workshops. Multi-level awareness campaigns, particularly for women and vulnerable groups, were emphasized.
• Local Impact and Collaboration: Ensuring tangible local impact through stakeholder engagement, needs analysis, and fostering strong collaboration with local authorities and the private sector was a recurring message. Business models, it was emphasized, must be designed to be inclusive of vulnerable groups.
• Innovation and Scalability: The importance of “demonstrators” in finding practical, African-centric solutions was a key takeaway, with innovation and demonstration going hand-in-hand. EU-Africa initiatives aim to provide tools and opportunities to further develop and commercialise technologies, building on existing successes rather than starting from scratch.

Discussions were led by Philippe Schild, Senior expert in clean energy transition, DG Research and Innovation, from the European Commission; Marianne Walpert, Co-founder of Simusolar Tanzania; Laura Giappichelli, Policy Officer forClimate Change and Sustainable Energy, Nuclear Safety, DG International Partnerships, from the European Commission; Gregor Riss, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Relevant Ventures; and Kasper Rodil, Associate professor, from the Department of architecture, design and media technology of Aalborg University. The discussion was moderated by Magdalena Sikorowska, SESA project coordinator, from ICLEI Europe. 

Real-world innovations and measurable impact

“Ultimately, the long-term relevance, transformative impact, and economic sustainability of any energy technology depend on how effectively it is tailored to the specific needs of its users.” Boris Heinz, ENERGICA coordinator, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany.

Throughout the event, Living Labs sessions brought the discussions to life, showcasing real-world applications and the tangible impact of energy innovations from both ENERGICA and SESA projects: 

• E-mobility in Kenya: WeTu’s work in Katito, Kisumu County, as presented by Charles Ogalo, demonstrated retrofitted electric drivetrains for motorbikes and an “Energy-as-a-Service” model with solar charging hubs. Roam Electric, introduced by Habib Lukaya, also presented their locally designed and manufactured electric motorcycles and solar-powered fast-charging hubs in Nairobi.
• Mini and Nano-grids: Solutions from Ghana (presented by Samuel Asare, from Nastech Power Solutions) and Madagascar (introduced by Nicolas Saincy, fro Nanoe Energica), showcased decentralized energy systems, including the innovative use of recycled e-waste and second-life batteries, leading to increased access to clean energy for households and productive uses.
• Water-Food-Energy Nexus: Projects in Tanzania, such as Simusolar, demonstrated solar irrigation systems using a lease-to-own model, while waste-to-energy solutions in Sierra Leone addressed both waste management and energy poverty through anaerobic biogas production. Coen Bakker, from The Waste Transformers (the Netherlands),  discussed waste-to-energy solutions, specifically anaerobic biogas for energy and fertilizer production, addressing waste management and energy poverty in peri-urban Sierra Leone.
• Waste to Energy: Diverse approaches, from organic waste digesters to briquette production from cooking oil waste, showed positive impacts on sustainable technology access, clean water, renewable energy, and job creation.
• Fresh Water: Solar-powered pumping systems and photocatalytic water treatment plants in Kenya have provided hundreds of thousands of liters of clean water, significantly improving health outcomes and reducing environmental impact compared to conventional systems.

Entrepreneurs shared valuable insights into viable business models, emphasizing the importance of local financing partners and a holistic approach to supporting companies from accelerators to market entry. Diverse business models like pay-as-you-go, “as-a-service,” lease-to-own, subscription, and franchise models were explored as crucial accelerators for clean energy solutions. 

Empowering for a sustainable future

A central theme of the event, particularly emphasized on Day 2 of the event, was the critical importance of enhancing capacity for a sustainable energy transition. This was powerfully underscored by the Watt Counts session, moderated by  Jorden van der Hoogt and Esther van Bergen (Cenex Nederland), and Nargish Parvin (RISE Research Institutes of Sweden), alongside speakers Edem Foli (Nelson Mandela University), Susanne Paulrud and Stanley Zira (RISE), Haiping Shen (Norwegian University of Science and Technology),  Ibtihal Ait Abdelmoula (Green Energy Park), Samira Nahim (Ciemat – Plataforma Solar de Almeria) and Philipp Baslik (Technische Universität Berlin). It showcased the real-world impact of energy innovations across various sectors, providing concrete data on the tangible benefits and demonstrating the power of well-supported initiatives.

Discussions throughout the event highlighted that tailored capacity building, based on specific needs, is crucial for empowering local governments, SMEs, women, and youth. SESA’s comprehensive capacity-building plan encompasses a variety of methodologies, including incubator programs, peer-to-peer exchanges, regional training, and online short courses. The ENERGICA project also adopted a “learning by doing” approach, integrating community energy systems and identifying daily energy needs to engage communities effectively. This panel was introduced by Claudia Schröder (ICLEI Africa), moderated by Silvia Assalini (ICLEI Europe), with speakers Lena Schmid (Hudara),  Jean Damascene Bikorimana (University of Rwanda),  Dr. Albert Kotawoke Awopone (AAMUSTED), and  Mikael Melitshenko (Smart Innovation Norway).

It was stressed that capacity building goes beyond mere knowledge transfer; it’s about empowerment and enterprise development. There’s a strong need for universities to integrate both technical knowledge and business skills to equip graduates for the market. A key lesson learned is the importance of ensuring that capacity-building sessions lead to practical application and that projects create sustainable jobs beyond their lifespan. Engaging local teams and demonstrating tangible results through “demo parts” are vital for the acceptance of new technologies, exemplified by women-focused clean cooking training sessions in Rwanda, which empowered women with skills in manufacturing, biomass pellet production, and entrepreneurship.

The event concluded with a strong emphasis on the continuous efforts of the European Commission to support renewable energy in Africa through initiatives like the Africa EU Green Energy Transition initiative and Mission 300, supported by the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group. The overarching message was clear: sustained collaboration, targeted financial support, and robust, localized capacity-building initiatives are paramount for accelerating Africa’s green energy transition and fostering a brighter, more sustainable future for its communities.

“In Africa, no policy or technology aimed at advancing the energy transition can succeed without the active involvement of local communities and the leadership of local authorities. Their voices, needs, and realities must be at the heart of every solution.” Magdalena Sikorowska, SESA project coordinator, ICLEI European Secretariat, Belgium.

Click on the titles to access all resources and relevant materials are available for download on our site:

• LIVING LABS
• COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE 
• SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS CATALOGUE 
• KNOWLEDGE HUB
• MARKETING MATERIALS

More about our project partner

Energy Access in Urban and Rural Africa (ENERGICA)

ENERGICA is a dynamic project uniting 11 European and 17 African partners with a shared vision of promoting sustainable energy solutions across both continents. The project focuses on developing innovative solutions at three key sites: nano-grids for water and food security in rural Madagascar, biogas and water purification systems in peri-urban Sierra Leone, and solar-powered electric mobility solutions for mototaxis in urban Kenya. ENERGICA’s co-creation approach ensures that the developed solutions are deeply rooted in local needs, fostering greater market uptake and long-term sustainability. The project aims to positively impact 1,500 stakeholders through local business development, job creation, and the promotion of local manufacturing, ultimately driving lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits by integrating energy access with broader economic development.

A global impact of local scalable energy solutions

Across the diverse landscapes of Africa within SESA and ENERGICA, communities are taking the lead in developing ingenious energy solutions, tailored to their specific needs and contexts. The event will feature engaging discussions exploring lastingly impactful advancements in areas such as:

• Electric Mobility: Discovering sustainable transportation solutions.
• Water Treatment: Examining energy-efficient methods for clean water access.
• Clean Cooking: Exploring solutions for healthier and more sustainable cooking practices.
• Mini-grids: Unpacking the potential of local power networks.
• Natural Resource Conservation: Highlighting the synergy between ecological responsibility and energy innovation.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear directly from experts and practitioners who are piloting these innovative energy solutions in eleven African countries (Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Tanzania). These sessions will go over the critical factors enabling progress, including supportive policy frameworks, promising private investment avenues, and essential capacity-building initiatives.

Bridging the gap between policy and innovation

The event will also strategically focus on aligning our two projects with international initiatives, such as the EU-Africa: Global Gateway Investment Package and the AU-EU Innovation Agenda. A central theme will be the process of transforming successful pilot solutions into scalable and sustainable business models, laying a foundation for the next exciting phase of Africa’s energy transition.

Who should attend?

‘Africa in Transition’ is a must-attend event for:

• Journalists and media representatives: Seeking to cover this pivotal moment in Africa’s development.
• Policymakers: Interested in shaping effective energy policies and fostering international collaboration.
• Researchers: Eager to exchange knowledge and explore the latest advancements in sustainable energy.
• NGOs: Working on the ground to promote sustainable development and energy access.
• SMEs: Looking for opportunities to invest in and contribute to Africa’s burgeoning energy sector.
• Regulatory Bodies: Involved in creating enabling environments for sustainable energy growth.

This event offers a unique and valuable networking opportunity for all participants to exchange ideas, forge new partnerships, and gain practical insights from real-world case studies across Africa’s dynamic energy sector.

Event Details:

• • Date: 20-21 May 2025
  • Venue: Le Bouche à Oreille, Rue Félix Hap, 11 – 1040, Brussels, Belgium
  • Free of cost

More about our partner project behind the event:

Energy Access in Urban and Rural Africa (ENERGICA):

ENERGICA is a dynamic project uniting 11 European and 17 African partners with a shared vision of promoting sustainable energy solutions across both continents. The project focuses on developing innovative solutions at three key sites: nano-grids for water and food security in rural Madagascar, biogas and water purification systems in peri-urban Sierra Leone, and solar-powered electric mobility solutions for mototaxis in urban Kenya. ENERGICA’s co-creation approach ensures that the developed solutions are deeply rooted in local needs, fostering greater market uptake and long-term sustainability. The project aims to positively impact 1,500 stakeholders through local business development, job creation, and the promotion of local manufacturing, ultimately driving lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits by integrating energy access with broader economic development.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping a sustainable energy future for Africa and the world!

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

On November 25, 2024, the SESA (Smart Energy Solutions for Africa) project convened its Third General Assembly, marking a crucial milestone in Month 38 of the 48-month project duration. This meeting gathered project partners and the project’s Advisory Board to reflect on progress, exchange insights, and strategize the path forward.

Key Highlights from the Assembly

Advisory Board Insights
The assembly commenced with remarks from Heinrich Wyes, Consultant to the European Commission (DG INTPA), and Kim Hyungju, Director of the Global Strategy Division at the Green Technology Center, Korea. They emphasized the importance of the SESA Toolbox as a resource for local communities and encouraged bolstering marketing efforts to enhance visibility. Sustainability emerged as a central theme, with a focus on expanding collaborations with other EU-funded initiatives and ensuring the replicability of SESA’s outcomes.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
A significant portion of the meeting centered on enhancing capacity-building activities. Suggestions included: Integrating cutting-edge areas into training modules; formalizing training materials into university curricula and tracking the practical applications of knowledge gained through training.

The aim is to engage a broader audience, including local governments, practitioners, and students, while fostering partnerships with other institutions.

Supporting Accelerated Companies
Participants discussed strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability of accelerated companies. This involved providing mentorship, refining business models, and improving market access through industry connections. Recognizing the challenges of engaging local governments, it was suggested that presenting robust, data-backed business models could enhance the perceived bankability of initiatives.

Major Achievements and Updates

SESA Toolbox Launch and Development
The official launch of the SESA Toolbox is slated for the fourth regional event in Marrakesh, Morocco. With 69 knowledge products now accessible, the platform offers user-friendly navigation and showcases best practices across sectors such as solar PV, clean cooking, e-mobility, rural internet access, and smart microgrids.

Capacity Building Progress
The assembly celebrated the success of capacity-building initiatives with over 166 individuals trained in Ghana and Rwanda, E-learning modules on Solar PV, Waste-to-Energy, and E-Mobility available on the NUA Campus and SESA YouTube channel.

Additionally, peer-to-peer exchanges and site visits have strengthened cross-border knowledge sharing, with municipal stakeholders addressing barriers in energy technology adoption.

Demo-site and Living Labs: Catalysts for Innovation

SESA’s demo-site in Kenya has delivered impactful results, highlighting the potential of sustainable energy solutions when tailored to local needs. In Kenya, the demo-site showcased the value of user-centered approaches, where customization, community co-creation, and awareness campaigns drove widespread acceptance of clean energy technologies. Flexible business models and modular, durable systems also enhanced long-term sustainability, ensuring these solutions remain relevant and resilient.

In Ghana, the Solar PV projects demonstrated that standalone systems are more straightforward to deploy and monetize than microgrids, especially in urban markets where high-capacity solutions are preferred. The use of optimized designs and hybrid revenue models (direct sales and flexible subscriptions) helped achieve greater financial returns. Meanwhile, the bioethanol fuel and stove initiative refined stove designs to enhance usability and efficiency, addressing early adoption challenges and setting the stage for broader market uptake through policy advocacy and consumer education.

Malawi’s Living Lab made significant progress with its MIG Biocooker and briquetting initiatives. The Biocooker benefited from extensive user feedback, resulting in more efficient prototypes that met strict emission standards. Briquettes produced from agricultural waste received positive feedback for their clean burn and lasting heat, even though affordability remains a challenge. Ongoing efforts are focused on stabilizing raw material supply chains and exploring subsidies to lower costs.

South Africa’s Living Lab successfully engaged the local community, proving that even economically vulnerable groups will pay for services that meet essential needs. Education, local champions, and pilot phases offering discounted services played a crucial role in fostering trust and adoption. This approach has laid the groundwork for a scalable, community-driven model.

Morocco’s Living Lab advanced e-mobility and solar PV mini-grid solutions, overcoming regulatory and operational hurdles through strong partnerships with public and private stakeholders. Early pilot demonstrations validated the concepts, demonstrating that well-designed projects can attract investment and gain community support, regardless of economic status.

Strengthening the SESA Ecosystem

The General Assembly also outlined key steps to ensure the replication and scalability of the project. One major initiative involves developing policy roadmaps to support sustainable energy technologies across countries, providing a clear framework for future implementation. Another critical effort is the internal projects to receive pre-feasibility studies, which will help refine and advance their potential. Additionally, the consortium emphasized the importance of mapping financial institutions and other networks to secure diverse funding streams, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth for these innovative solutions.

Conclusion

The Third General Assembly reinforced SESA’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovation, capacity building, and strategic partnerships. With just ten months remaining, the focus is on ensuring that the project’s impact extends beyond its duration, creating lasting change in local communities and contributing to global sustainable energy practices.