Cape Town — the inaugural Congress
Our inaugural Congress in South Africa anchored AISESA's emergence and brought together a foundational community of contributors committed to African-led energy research.
The annual moment when the AISESA network convenes in person. A working congress where African researchers, policymakers, practitioners, civil society and partners shape the continental agenda for energy, climate and development futures. Since 2024, the Congress has anchored AISESA's transition from network to institution, and continues to set the direction for its research, partnerships and public voice.
AISESA operates as a knowledge ecosystem: a network of researchers, policy actors and practitioners working across the energy, climate and development nexus. The Congress is the moment each year when that ecosystem convenes in person: to review progress across the five research clusters, endorse shared analytical directions, discuss thematic focus areas, and shape the priorities and partnerships that will guide the year ahead.
Each Congress has marked a distinct phase in AISESA's development. The inaugural gathering in Cape Town in 2024 established the founding community and interim governance. The Second Congress in Saly in September 2025 formally endorsed the Institute's five-cluster framework, its values, and its hosting arrangement as a Programme of AKADEMIYA2063, marking AISESA's transition from network formation to institutional consolidation. The Third Congress in Kampala in 2026 will build on that foundation, taking up the AISESA Manifesto and shaping the next phase of the Institute's programme.
From Cape Town to Saly to Kampala, each Congress has expanded the geographic reach and thematic depth of our work, forging new collaborations along the way.
Our inaugural Congress in South Africa anchored AISESA's emergence and brought together a foundational community of contributors committed to African-led energy research.
The Congress travelled to Senegal, deepening our engagement with West African networks and energy ministries, and expanding the thematic depth of our work.
East Africa's dynamic energy landscape and its vibrant research community make Kampala an essential next moment for AISESA. 14–16 September 2026.
Each Congress closes with a synthesis report capturing the debates, commitments and open questions of the week. These are open access.