Building the Future of AU-EU Energy Partnerships: Takeaways from LEAP-RE Stakeholder Forum in Milan

In October 2024, UniPID co-organized the fourth LEAP-RE Stakeholder Forum in Milan, bringing together diverse voices from Africa and Europe to discuss the future of renewable energy partnerships.

The forum, an annual key event for the LEAP-RE (Long-Term Joint Research and Innovation Partnership on Renewable Energy between the European Union and the African Union) Community, focuses on building a multi-stakeholder network for collaboration in renewable energy, science-driven policy, innovation, and sustainable development initiatives between the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU). The event’s objectives include fostering an environment for innovation in renewable energy across continents, enhancing science and policy links, and expanding the AU-EU energy ecosystem.

Learning from AU-EU Partnerships: Key Insights from the Forum

This year’s forum discussions highlighted the growing momentum in AU-EU collaboration on renewable energy. Among the many powerful speakers, Tinyiko Ntshongwana, the Deputy Director of Africa Multilateral Cooperation at South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation captured well Africa’s strategic place in the global energy shift, helping reframe how Africa and Europe might collaborate to meet shared energy goals.

Ntshongwana painted a picture of Africa moving from the margins to the center in the global energy dynamic, while increasing its sustainable energy production. With its rich reserves of minerals critical for renewable technology, Africa would be capable to shift from a supporting role to a driving force in the global green energy revolution. She also highlighted the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is reshaping the continent's economic landscape and creating unprecedented opportunities for collaboration on energy solutions.

Another keynote by Daniel Wetzel reaffirmed Tinyiko Ntshongwana's positive message on Africa’s strategic role in the green energy transition. Wetzel, Head of Tracking Sustainable Transitions at the International Energy Agency (IEA), emphasized that with its immense renewable energy potential across solar, hydrogen, and critical materials, the continent has the foundation to become a leader in sustainable energy solutions. However, he cautioned that significant financial investment is needed to bring this vision to fruition. Success stories, such as Kenya's clean cooking initiatives, Wetzel noted, are crucial as they not only pave the way for similar ventures but also alleviate uncertainties for potential investors.

Clustering sessions: Connecting Communities and Technology

UniPID, in collaboration with the African Energy Services Group, organized four engaging clustering sessions at the Stakeholder Forum in a hybrid format. The first session focused on Digital Technologies, AI, and Blockchain while the second session addressed Critical Raw Materials and Circularity, emphasizing sustainable sourcing and lifecycle management for renewable components. The third session, Energy Systems Modelling and the Water, Energy, Food -nexus, highlighted integrated solutions for energy, water, and food interdependence. Finally, the fourth session on Local Communities, Capacity Building, and Gender underscored the importance of inclusive, community-driven renewable energy projects, promoting gender equality and local engagement for long-term impact. Together, these sessions fostered comprehensive dialogues on technology, resources, sustainability, and community in renewable energy.

Connecting with the LEAP-RE Network

This year the Stakeholder Forum brought together over 380 participants, representing a diverse and dedicated range of partners and stakeholders from government, research and higher education, which played an essential role in making the Forum a success.

To stay connected, participate in next year’s forum, or join other events throughout the year, consider joining the online LEAP-RE community here: https://www.leap-re.eu/.