AISESA Concludes Three-Day Workshop on Africa’s Energy Transition and Sustainable Pathways

Cape Town, South Africa — September 17-19, 2024 — The African Institute for Sustainable Energy and Systems Analysis (AISESA) successfully completed a three-day workshop that brought together over 100 distinguished scientists, policymakers, and experts to chart a transformative energy future for Africa. The workshop focused on developing strategies for Africa's shift to sustainable energy while tackling important challenges related to policy, finance, technology, and capacity building.

The workshop kicked-off with an introductory session featuring a Keynote Address by Amb. Lumumba Di-Aping on energy and climate justice. Following this, panel and plenary sessions introduced AISESA’s five strategic clusters, which form the basis for addressing the energy needs of the continent:

1. Clean Energy Pathways and Sustainable Development

2. Effective Implementation Approaches

3. Policy & Governance

4. Access to Finance and Technology

5. Building Institutions and Skills

Each cluster participated in in-depth discussions, laying the groundwork for the creation of energy models, governance structures, and financing solutions tailored to Africa. Key themes from the sessions included:

• Encouraging local ownership in energy models and pathways.

• Developing open-source energy modeling tools to integrate environmental and social factors.

• Enhancing policy and governance structures to accommodate Africa’s varied political landscapes and economic realities.

• Facilitating access to finance and technology for energy development, urging a reconsideration of the global financial system’s approach to Africa.

• Building capacity and institutions to bridge skills gaps and encourage innovation across the continent.

Throughout the workshop, experts highlighted Africa’s significant renewable energy potential and stressed the importance of collaboratively developing pathways aligned with the social and economic aspirations of African countries. Case studies on mini-grid systems, national policy strategies, and energy transition models were presented, demonstrating the practical solutions being put into action.

In addition to establishing detailed work programs, AISESA explored a potential new Fellowship Program designed to empower young researchers and experts across the continent to contribute to sustainable energy development. The initiative aims to promote interdisciplinary learning and ensure that Africa’s future leaders are equipped with the skills to navigate the complexities of energy transition and climate resilience.

The event concluded with participants committing to further collaboration and concrete actions, with a focus on expanding AISESA’s work across Africa to maximize its impact. The AISESA interim board was elected by the delegates to oversee the initiative’s activities, while plans are underway to establish a fully-fledged AISESA board. AISESA’s next steps will involve finalizing work plans for each cluster and mobilizing resources to implement them.