Stakeholders from across Africa and Europe have called for increased investment in local innovation and the integration of climate education into national development strategies, as part of a continent-wide push towards clean and sustainable energy solutions.
The resolution was reached during the EMERGE AU–AU Study Visit, held in Abuja and organised by AfriLabs with support from the European Union (EU).
The Meeting, which brought together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors from countries including Nigeria, Morocco, Cape Verde, and Mozambique, sought to explore collaborative pathways toward Africa’s green energy transition.
Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs, emphasised the urgency of accelerating clean energy adoption, especially among underserved communities. She highlighted the dangers of traditional biomass-based cooking methods, which continue to expose women to harmful fumes and health risks.
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Ekeledo advocated for the mainstreaming of e-cooking technologies and underscored the broader role of clean energy in advancing public health, climate resilience, and socioeconomic equity.
“Africa has the resources, talent, and innovation capacity to lead in clean energy transitions if the right policies, investments, and collaborations are in place,” Ekeledo said.
Also speaking, Nikola Matak, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Zagreb, underscored the importance of energy system modelling in shaping sustainable futures.
He introduced the EMERGE Toolbox and Knowledge Base Dashboard, digital platforms aimed at connecting data, tools, and energy assets across the continent.
Matak also stressed the need for greater collaboration between African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) actors and emphasised that all project results would be made openly accessible.
“The key objectives of the EMERGE project include the establishment of a network of African energy experts, improved collaboration between AU and EU actors, and the development of digital tools to evaluate and interconnect energy assets across the continent.
“We are not just modelling energy systems; we are modelling sustainable futures. And the data will speak for itself,” he said.
Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), emphasised the need to prioritise African-led innovation and indigenous technology.
He outlined the critical role of science and technology in driving the energy transition and called for the establishment of a Pan-African movement to support clean energy development.
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“The energy transition is not just about carbon, it is about dignity, development, and direction. Africa can lead the world if we unite”, Halilu stated
Other discussions include: Sustainable energy generation and distribution, Barriers to energy access and regulatory bottlenecks, Grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship, Promotion of clean cooking technologies and Public-private partnerships and investment ecosystems
In a joint resolution, participants proposed several key actions to guide Africa’s energy future, which include;
Establishment of regional energy modelling hubs across Africa, simplify and harmonise energy regulatory frameworks, and Incentivise local production of clean energy technologies.
Expand funding access for grassroots innovators and Mainstream climate and energy education into school curricula.
