aef22 Post Forum Report

Africa for Africa: Building Energy for the Just Transition… aef’s journey

Business was back to normal for the aef community in June 2022 with 13 ministers of energy, 21 utilities, 300 speakers and over 1800 participants meeting in Brussels for the 24th annual Africa Energy Forum.

63 discussion sessions were hosted in 4 days under the theme Africa for Africa – Building Energy for the Just Transition allowing honest, interactive conversations about what Africa needs and wants and how can international investors meet those needs.

Brussels was chosen as the city for 2022 to explore the EU’s investment plans into Africa, with discussions taking place on how the €150 billion committed by the EU in February 2022 for Africa can best be directed into energy projects on the continent.

Industry friends reunited at aef to sign deals on energy projects:

• European Investment Bank [EIB] and ENGIE partnership - the announcement and signing confirmed $10 million to enhance off-grid solar access across West Africa, and in particular Benin.

• IFC and EDM partner to increase access to renewable energy in Mozambique - IFC and EDM target to develop four solar PV and battery storage facilities across Mozambique with an expected total energy production of 50 Megawatts.

• Signing of Letter of Intent between AfDB and PIDG - to affirm a partnership between AfDB and PIDG.

Read more on page 9.

Looking towards building a better future, aef this year announced the launch of YES! (Youth Energy Summit), which opened with a powerful speech from Joseph Nganga, MD Africa of The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, as living proof of how far our African youth can go if given the right opportunities. YES! welcomed 50 participants representing educators, students, early career professionals, entrepreneurs and sector leaders who came together to talk about how the next generation can work better together to accelerate energy projects on the continent and, perhaps most importantly, how we can all work together to open up opportunities in the energy sector beyond privilege for our youth.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, speakers and participants, we look forward to welcoming you to aef in 2023 taking place on the continental mainland for the very first time in Nairobi on 20-23 June 2023 where will be continuing with the theme of Africa for Africa – Building Energy for the Just Transition.

Wishing you an electrifying year, EnergyNet Team

www.africa-energy-forum.com

aef Networking highlights

At this years’ aef it was great to be back to full capacity, together in one place, to network face-to-face with industry stakeholders. Networking is one of many key components of why the industry attends aef, which is reflected in the feedback from the attendees this year. We aim to improve your opportunities to meet peers through large physical spaces, dedicated networking breaks throughout the agenda, and the opportunity to book meetings through the dedicated networking app.

The aef Networking App - helping aef participants connect with their peers onsite

83% ENGAGEMENT RATE

46

PRIVATE MEETING ROOMS

6,362 CONTACTS MADE

11,678 MESSAGES EXCHANGED

Thank you and the entire EnergyNet team for getting everyone together for very informative discussions and insights at #aef22.

The content standard was at appreciable level, and the everything went smooth. The networking opportunities were great. I had enjoyed the insightful discussions and diverse perspectives yet all tied up to energy security and the path to just transition.

I look forward to #aef2023 in Nairobi. I have no doubt it will be a success too. Many thanks for your support and always making sure that I take part on these exciting events.

Nomfundo

www.africa-energy-forum.com

2,666

MEETINGS REQUESTED

Thanks to our aef Networking App Sponsor

Maseti, Full-Time Regulator Member responsible for Piped Gas Regulation, National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), South Africa

aef Attendee breakdown

Deals Signed on Energy Projects Onsite at aef

EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK [EIB] AND ENGIE PARTNERSHIP CONFIRMED $10 MILLION TO ENHANCE OFFGRID SOLAR ACCESS ACROSS WEST AFRICA

Ambroise Fayolle, Vice President of the European Investment Bank met with Gillian-Alexandre Huart, CEO of ENGIE Energy Access shortly before the official opening of the Africa Energy Forum 2022 in Brussels, to announce a major new agreement.

Alongside other key partners and facilitators of this collaboration, the announcement and signing confirmed $10 million to enhance off-grid solar access across West Africa, and in particular Benin.

Aligning both entities’ ambitious targets and objectives, this nod towards the potential of decentralised energy is as much an economic up-lifter, as it is solely an energy initiative. ENGIE has seen first-hand what electrification can do for rural communities, and has subsequently pledged to electrify more than 650,000 inhabitants across sub-Saharan Africa.

“To do this, we need capital,” affirmed Huart. “It’s not easy, but what is offered today will accelerate what is already a good success story.”

ENGIE’s and EIB's combined mission strives to address service and infrastructure improvements en route to this ultimate goal of economic empowerment through off-grid electrification. Huart added: “We are all on the same planet so if we only focus on what’s going on at home we’ll never solve the issue globally. Everyone has taken a leap of faith to meet SDG7 and we won’t reach it alone.”

IFC AND EDM PARTNER TO INCREASE ACCESS TO RENEWABLE ENERGY IN MOZAMBIQUE

To increase access to renewable energy and expand power delivered to the grid in Mozambique, IFC and Electricidade de Moçambique, (EDM) signed a collaboration agreement to develop small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plants and battery storage facilities.

Under the collaboration agreement, announced on the sidelines of the Africa Energy Forum in Brussels, IFC and EDM target to develop four solar PV and battery storage facilities across Mozambique with an expected total energy production of 50 Megawatts, dependent on the results of a grid integration and financial assessment study to be conducted by IFC.

The solar PV plants will provide power to the country’s grid and help to meet growing electricity demand in a country where only about 44 percent of the population has access to electricity.

Partnership signed by Ambroise Fayolle, Vice President, European Investment Bank and Gillian-Alexandre Huart, CEO, ENGIE

Partnership signed by Linda Munyengeterwa, Regional Industry Director, Infrastructure, Africa, IFC and Marcelino Gildo Alberto, Chairman & CEO, Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), Mozambique

www.africa-energy-forum.com

Deals Signed on Energy Projects Onsite at aef

SIGNING OF LETTER OF INTENT BETWEEN AFDB AND PIDG

At aef 2022, a signing of a Letter of Intent took place between Dr Kariuki, Vice President, Power, Energy, Climate Change & Green Growth Complex, AfDB and Gilles J. Vaes, CEO of InfraCo Africa (on behalf of Phillippe Valahu, CEO, Private Infrastructure Development Group) to affirm a partnership between AfDB and PIDG.

Vaes commented: “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to represent PIDG and its commitment to the region. Dr Kariuki was right when he said that with challenges like this, we can’t do it alone. A reputable partner like AfDB helps us tremendously on the private and public side in generating facilities and also pushing discussions. We’re grateful, but the partnership didn’t start today. We’ve been partners for a long time and we look forward to doing a lot more together.”

Dr Kariuki added and concluded: “There’s a quote often referenced that ‘to go fast you need to go alone. To go far, you need others’. The significance of this signing is that it solidifies an existing relationship, but also helps in addressing the issue of energy poverty in an area that truly needs assistance. To help roll out privately financed energy projects and harness the huge potential of solar in the region is vital. It’s no use sitting up and looking at the sun – let’s make the sun work for the betterment of all in the Sahel region.”

On behalf of His Excellency and the entire ADPI-DRC delegation, we would like to thank the entire EnergyNet team for yet again a successful forum, and for providing a viable framework where qualitative exchange could take place. Thank you for your consideration and for always counting us, and particularly His Excellency as a VIP guest. We were particularly delighted with this year’s spotlight on DRC, which saw the Congolese panel get a little richer as far as panellists were concerned, and the change was immediately felt in the auditorium. His Excellency has already confirmed that he will attend the next meeting in Nairobi.

Ladislas Kapandji, Agence pour le Développement et la Promotion du Projet Grand Inga (ADPI-RDC), Democratic Republic of the Congo

Letter of intent signed by Dr Kariuki, Vice President, Power, Energy, Climate Change & Green Growth Complex, AfDB and Gilles J. Vaes, CEO of InfraCo Africa

Announcing the Recipient of the Inaugural ‘EnergyNet Friendship Award’

Reliable relationships are the backbone of bankable projects and business development around the world and we do not take our relationships lightly. We value deeply the access and generosity we’re afforded across multiple touchpoints throughout the year with various sector influencers, leaders and policy makers and therefore take this moment to thank and honour a sector leader who has helped shape us, our business and the broader energy sector as a whole.

We are therefore delighted to present William Amuna with the inaugural ‘EnergyNet Friendship Award’, honoring not only our long standing relationship, but the relationships that William has across the continent, around the world and of course in Ghana where he has served in a numerous leadership roles, including as Chief Executive of GridCo (one of Africa’s most highly regarded energy companies) and his current role as Technical Controller of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) Ghana.

“When you have lived in Williams orbit, no matter the distance, you understand what it takes to be a successful leader in Africa’s energy sector. William’s strength in the face of adversity, his respect for office, his motivation and his ability to create an environment that both supports and promotes others, is an extraordinary gift which runs clearly in the blood of his and Genevieve’s boys. He is a leader who listens, but crucially who delivers and Shiddika and I are grateful for his continued counsel and friendship after so many years.” Simon, Managing Director, EnergyNet

This year to the Forum we are delighted to welcome William’s wife Genevieve and two engineer sons, Mbora and Freddie, and look forward to many more years of friendship.

I really appreciated the forum and its organization. I also think that this forum is one of the best frameworks where the energy sector meet and exchange their experiences. I will attend the next one. I salute you and your team. Be proud of this work which allows people to work towards improving our world.

www.africa-energy-forum.com

William Amuna, Technical Controller, Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), Ghana

H.E. Honourable Bruno Kapandji, Président’s Chargé de Mission, Agency for the Development & Promotion of the Grand Inga Project (ADPI-RDC), Democratic Republic of the Congo

REUNITED IN ONE PLACE COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT

Networking Functions Project presentations focusing on implementation

Day 1 - Tuesday 21 June

Ministers Welcome Lunch – By Invitation Only

EnergyNet Welcome

Country Host Remarks

EnergyNet Launch of YES! (Youth Energy Summit)

Africa and Europe – Essential Energy Partners

Forum Sponsor Remarks

Agenda at a glance

PANEL SESSION

High level experts laying out their strategies on implementation

INTERACTIVE BOARDROOM

Interactive collaborative boardroom style discussions under Chatham House Rule where all participants are invited to get involved

HOSTED BOARDROOM

Interactive collaborative boardroom style discussions where all participants are invited to get involved

Welcome to aef 2022: Registration & Refreshments

aef 2022: Ministerial Roundtable – Africa for Africa: Building Energy for the Just Transition – What Does Africa Want?

Reunited in One Place Celebration sponsored by AFC

Day 2 - Wednesday 22 June

Registration & Networking Coffee

Africa DFI Roundtable Series – Meeting #5: Building Energy for the Just Transition – By Invitation Only

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COUNTRY PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS

Country Focus: Ghana

Country Focus: South Africa

INTERACTIVE BOARDROOM –CHATHAM HOUSE RULE

Implementing Practical Solutions for Africa’s Utilities

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INTERACTIVE BOARDROOM –CHATHAM HOUSE RULE

COP26 to COP27 – How is the Conversation Changing?

INTERACTIVE HOSTED BOARDROOM

4

ROUNDTABLE SESSION

Closed-door sessions by invitation only

INNOVATION THEATRE

Presenting cutting edge technologies in energy development and how these are being incorporated in live projects

Networking Coffee

www.africa-energy-forum.com

Hosted by Marsh:

Mobilising Capital: How Accurately Quantifying and Mitigating Political Risk can Facilitate Investment for Institutional and Emerging Market Investors

INNOVATION THEATRE

5

Maximising Africa’s Indigenous Offshore Energy Resources

Stakeholders. In One Place.

Agenda at a glance

Day 2 - Wednesday 22 June

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Country Focus: Kenya Private Sector Innovation to Support Energy Evacuation Through the Utility and Grid

Country Focus: Egypt

By Invitation Only

Closed-Door Roundtable:

Hosted by: European Commission and European Energy Network (EnR)

Road to COP27

Day 3 - Thursday 23 June

What Does Energy Transition Funding Mean and How is it Being Deployed? Hosted by Power Africa:

Networking Lunch – Sponsored by Clifford Chance

Transmission - are Private Investments Finally Moving in? Gas - Africa’s Fuel Here to Stay

Asset Recycling and Opportunities for Just Transition

Regional Gas – The Potential for the Continent

Energy Access at a Crossroads: Can Results-Based Financing Transform MiniGrid Markets?

Hosted by

Hydropower- The Forgotten Renewable Energy Source

The Offshore Just Energy Transition: The Journey from Offshore Gas to Clean Offshore Energy Sources

Developments in Solar Technology Networking Coffee

Hosted by

Instruments to Encourage Local Currency Finance of Energy Projects

Networking Reception Hosted by: South Africa IPP Office

Solar Projects for Africa

Registration & Networking Coffee

Closed-Door: Africa Utilities Roundtable Series – Meeting #5: Practical Solutions for Utilities to Meet Demand, Achieve Just Energy Transition and Optimise Regional Power Trade – By Invitation Only

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Country Focus: Mauritania South Africa’s Independent Power Producer Procurement ProgrammeUnfolding for the Future

Country Focus: Algeria

Country Focus: São Tomé and Príncipe

Country Focus: Zambia Project Preparation – Increasing the Number of Projects Reaching Financial Close

Country Focus: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Project Preparation Case Study: The 450MW Temane Gas-Fired Power (Project Closed in December 2021)

Building Africa as a Green Hydrogen Power House

www.africa-energy-forum.com

Hosted by E-mobility in Africa: Visions for the Future or Already Happening?

Hosted by

Desert to Power (DtP); Grid Connected Solar Generation and the Sahel G5 DtP Financing Facility

Scaling up Wind

Hosted by

Wind Power Energising a Just Transition

Stakeholders. In One Place.

Day 3 - Thursday 23 June

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Agenda at a glance

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Networking Lunch

Country Focus: Equatorial Guinea Integrating Solar and Wind into the Grid Is Project Financing Ready to Ride the Green Hydrogen Wave?

Country Focus: Senegal

Networking Coffee

Country Focus: Mozambique Solar and Wind, Producing Power, Producing Hydrogen Competitive Procurement and Energy Auctions to Deliver Best Investment and Price Outcomes

AfSIA Solar Awards Ceremony

Day 4 - Friday 24 June

Registration & Networking Coffee

Hosted by Local Currency Funding of On-Grid Projects

Hosted by

Regional Transmission Infrastructure Financing Facility (RTIFF)

Role of Extractives in Africa’s Energy Journey

Closed-Door: Africa Regulators Roundtable Series – Meeting #4: Keeping the Development of Regulation Independent and Preparing Regulation for Energy Transition – By Invitation Only

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Country Focus: Ethiopia Assessing South Africa’s 100MW no License Liberalisation and its Progress M&A − The Tangibility of Exits

Country Focus: Uganda

Networking Coffee

Country Focus: Zimbabwe Energy Development in Commercial and Industrial Sectors to Accelerate Economic Growth Industrial and Corporate Decarbonisation

Mphanda Nkuwa Project (Mozambique)

Farewell Lunch

www.africa-energy-forum.com

Hosted by

STREAM 4

A Just Energy Transition: Implementing a Just Energy Transition: How Do We Find a Sustainable Balance

Hosted by

Water-Energy Infrastructure for Peace in the Sahel

Highlights from aef

WELCOME TO aef 2022

EnergyNet Welcome: Simon Gosling, MD, EnergyNet

Country Host Remarks: Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President, EIB

EnergyNet Launch of YES! (Youth Energy Summit):

Simon Gosling, MD, EnergyNet

Joseph Nganga, Managing Director Africa, Global Alliance for People and Planet

Thuso Kuali, Investment Banking Analyst, JP Morgan Africa and Europe – Essential Energy Partners: Matthew Baldwin, Deputy Director-General, for Energy, European Commission

Forum Sponsor Remarks: Brano Kollar, Senior General Manager Africa, Aggreko

Africa Energy Forum 2022 welcomed people back to a face-to-face event, where delegates were all too willing to look both forward and back, to analyse the current state of African energy.

The impacts of COVID can’t be overlooked, and may even now be compounded by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Both have contributed to an unwanted rise in people going without electricity access on the continent.

However, the general ambition and strict targets around carbon neutrality and a just energy transition remain very much in place. And what this opening session affirmed more than anything, is that there are numerous weapons at Africa’s disposal to fight back against recent setbacks.

That first supporting element comes in the form of strong partnerships. Before the opening session officially took place, there had already been an exciting $10m project agreement signed in Brussels, between the European Investment Bank and ENGIE. The former, as a country host, laid out the organisation’s priorities in the form of ensuring access to reliable energy in Africa through private sector mobilisation. The European Commission later confirmed the significance of conjoined efforts between Europe and Africa especially, if we are to keep on track for carbon neutrality by 2050.

A second catalyst for future progress comes in the form of Africa’s own youth population. Entrepreneurship has long been a focus for aef, and this was formalised to a new level via the launch of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!). Joseph Nganga, MD for Africa, Global Alliance for People and Planet affirmed that without this championing of innovation and business development from Africa’s next generation, future goals can’t be met. They are the future, after all.

A final reason for optimism is the level of pragmatism being shown by companies and governments across Africa at present. Forum sponsor, Aggreko was represented by the Senior General Manager Africa, Brano Kollar who weighed up the bigger picture as we recover from crises while pushing on towards ambitious targets. Kollar noted that, to bridge the current access deficit, we need the full spectrum of low-carbon energy sources while also focusing on installed capacity increases, the replacement of legacy infrastructures and the battle against climate change. The conversation can’t just be about a just transition, but everything that transition represents in order for it to be successful.

Africa Energy Forum has long supported the openness of conversation when it comes to both progress, and areas for improvement. But, especially considering the difficulties of the past two years, the general atmosphere in Brussels was one of positivity.

Highlights from aef

MINISTERIAL ROUNDTABLE - AFRICA FOR AFRICA: BUILDING ENERGY FOR THE JUST TRANSITION – WHAT DOES AFRICA WANT?

The aef 2022 Ministerial Roundtable welcomed 13 ministers from the African continent including: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Lesotho, Mauritania, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa and Uganda. Senior representatives from AfDB, EIB, European Commission, Global Alliance for People and Planet, IEA, KenGen and United Bank of Africa (Ghana) also joined the ministers on the Ministerial Roundtable.

When considering Africa’s energy transition, it is impossible to analyse potential bottlenecks, challenges or opportunities as one holistic situation. Representatives from across the continent highlighted the level of diversity that exists on the continent as part of the opening Ministerial Roundtable which sought to explore what ‘Africa for Africa’ really represents.

Ministers from São Tomé and Príncipe, Somalia and Lesotho

Bringing to mind differences across resources, renewable access and geographic positioning, global geopolitical impacts and existing infrastructures, it is quickly emphasised that building energy for Africa doesn’t require a cookie-cutter solution.

Rather, each nation is employing its own methods to try and offset the effects of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and the more recent war in Ukraine. Thankfully, amid the latter, pre-established resiliency strategies have gone some way to reduce the impact on access. However, when analysing the bigger picture, the situation is more concerning. IEA’s 2022 Africa Energy Outlook Report confirmed that the number of people without access to electricity has risen 4% during the pandemic period.

It will take a multi-faceted strategy and conjoined effort between countries to help recover moving forward. In South Africa, for example, the country is leveraging its

www.africa-energy-forum.com

Highlights from aef

MINISTERIAL ROUNDTABLE - AFRICA FOR AFRICA: BUILDING ENERGY FOR THE JUST TRANSITION – WHAT DOES AFRICA WANT? (cont'd)

mining strengths to unearth, extract and deploy mineral resources to go towards the energy transition. Again, while the strategy is internally-generated, it will require outside investment to catalyse it, as the first step towards a “win-win” outcome for numerous parties.

This notion of win-win was echoed by numerous delegates present at the roundtable; many also citing intercontinental partnerships, including with the European Union. It reflects an ongoing balance that countries need to master between promoting internal capabilities and resources, while aligning with the shared goals and objectives that other countries and the pivotal investment community are earmarking.

The importance of private sector involvement was especially highlighted, with the current ratio of resources and capital still not matching up. It is an ongoing issue for a continent with an abundance of resources, but without the scale of projects or generation capacity to reflect that. Solar PV was offered as a prime example by

Mary Burce Warlick, Deputy Executive Director, while presenting the IEA report, noting that Africa has 60% of the best solar resources globally, but only 1% of the solar PV capacity in place.

When it comes to the ‘just transition’, there are a host of considerations to address simultaneously. In this context, what ‘Africa wants’ is for its own proactive and ambitious targets to be met with a relative level of support – be it investment, technical, business development or through forums such as aef.

IEA revealed that 70 million residential buildings will be added to rural areas of Africa over the coming years. This threatens a just transition not only in terms of access goals, but also from a business empowerment, industrial development and local employment perspective. However, what this example also showcases is the level of activity and possibilities that exist on a continent that is striving to put recent challenges behind it, and to get its energy transition back on track.

Ministers from Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Egypt

Ministers from The Gambia, Djibouti and Mauritania

Highlights from aef

INTERACTIVE BOARDROOM: COP26 to COP27 - HOW IS THE CONVERSATION CHANGING?

Participating organisations: Juniper Consulting, Suez Canal Economic Zone Egypt, Eskom, European Commission, BII, Absa, MIGA, RTI International, and GE Gas Power

COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh will look to build upon the breakthroughs and proactive discussions shared in Glasgow in 2021, only with more of an “African flavour” that has perhaps been missing from the Conference in the past. While COP26 was a significant success at a critical time, from a global perspective, the general consensus was that there was one important voice missing – a voice that was pushed to the margins while other agendas took precedence. That was the African voice.

This November, in Egypt, the world will learn how to talk about energy and sustainability from an African perspective: “the world needs to look at us and speak our language, rather than Africa trying to replicate others.”

This assertion refers to the unique challenges and opportunities that exist on the continent – a blend that is actually epitomised by this year’s hosts, Egypt. The country, via significant organisations including the Suez Canal Economic Zone and The Sovereign Fund of Egypt, will look to highlight a strong portfolio of project successes as an exemplar of where African opportunity lies.

Through the exposure of full project lifecycles, technical, financial, economic, collaboration and local upliftment elements are all brought into the conversation, where delegates will be able to assess how success is achieved, and where shortfalls are still present across Africa. Identifying avenues that are already agreeable to investors, and where pain points can be overcome, will lay bare the true language of an emerging market in the global energy conversation.

For example, statistics will be shared around the potential of off-grid solutions, which could cost as much as a third less than on-grid methods to connect people who are currently without electricity, to power. Demonstrating Africa’s unique opportunity when it comes to decentralised energy distribution will hopefully ignite a feeling of opportunity among investors and the private sector.

And it is this private sector and investment community that COP27 will especially be reaching out to through the various shared messages. Huge figures of money have been pledged by the world to the African electrification effort, but these are just numbers until stronger conversations are had around the transition itself, and what it entails.

Dissecting the stages of project manifestation, and building a stronger regulatory framework to support these projects, can and will translate into capital. Financiers and banks are committed to decarbonisation, but are seeking a pragmatic and structured environment before putting pen to paper. Banks in particular feel a responsibility to help shape these frameworks which will allow money to be spent – citing that Africa has traditionally “been its own worst enemy” when it comes to ensuring regulatory clarity. Solving this particular challenge would compound the acknowledged potential that is there from a resource and outcome perspective.

Attracting both continental and international capital is a core aim of COP27 where Africa will be able to present its unique perspective, its ambitious targets and its requests for needed support. It is an opportunity to articulate bespoke needs, but also the very real opportunities that exist.

Highlights from aef

INTERACTIVE BOARDROOM: INTEGRATING SOLAR AND WIND INTO THE GRID

Participating organisations: Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), Global Wind Energy Council, Red Rocket, BASF and Copperbelt Energy Corporation

The integration of wind and solar into the grid is not without its challenges or resistance, but few would argue against an ultimate ambition of these renewable sources powering Africa in the future.

The question marks right now revolve around viability. Viability when it comes to the variability of natural resources, viability when it comes to stimulating private sector investment, and viability around that final connection to national grids. Already, companies who have taken the plunge and sought to set up projects on the continent have found bottlenecks in the form of state utility interventions or delays, vastly changing development stages compared to original financial models, and technical challenges across transmission and distribution.

Then, at the other side of the renewable challenge pendulum, some countries who are looking to capitalise on such a strong extent of resource, then struggle to control that level of power entering the grid. In Kenya, for example, when wind power comes online and currents surpass a certain threshold, the grid has to curtail it to allow its cheaper, existing geothermal input.

However, the one recurring challenge that continues to hinder full-speed progress on the renewables front pertains to variability. Solar isn’t entirely programmable, and wind even less so. Investors see the potential and even a pipeline in place, but those fluctuation issues still damage confidence for many.

In this regard, battery storage is perhaps the most significant element of the integration discussion. Smart grid development will undoubtedly have a role to play from a monitoring and control perspective, but mitigating the fluctuation challenge has to be a priority. Batteries can connect with both solar and hybrid facilities to make resources more dispatchable, and to make better use of the network as a whole.

In particular, the development of sodium sulphur batteries points to a solution tailormade for Africa’s extreme climatic conditions. With operating temperatures between -20 and 50 degrees, they can be placed at generation sites, adjacent to substations or even behind the meter; to bring a sense of control to our most uncontrollable resources.

The integration of smart grids and battery storage has met a lot of resistance traditionally, due to the additional cost and added complexity to an already complicated process. However, investment and trust in these innovative technical solutions would install a new sense of confidence among the private sector in particular. What that sector is looking towards is a sense of viability, that comes from such proactive problem solving, alongside more robust and clear regulatory frameworks for renewable development.

There is an opportunity for Africa to leapfrog a lot of the transformation pressures being experienced in other global markets. New technologies could set this tone to make its grids more efficient, more controllable, and viable through remote management… all underpinned by a green-first philosophy and, finally, a clear trajectory for solar and wind.

Highlights from aef

INTERACTIVE BOARDROOM: GAS - AFRICA’S FUEL HERE TO STAY

Participating organisations: Africa50, Ministry of Petroleum, Energy & Mines Mauritania, Ministry of Petroleum & Energy Senegal, Wärtsilä Energy, Absa, Azura Power, Karpowership, and Greenville LNG

Gas continues to be a vital point of discussion at aef, provoking discussions comprising mixed opinions.

With an esteemed panel brought together to discuss whether gas is a fuel that will help to support Africa for many years to come, conversations kicked off with a series of negative headlines around gas.

“Gas projects in low- and middle-income countries are receiving more international public finance than any other energy source: four times as much as wind or solar. This is a poor use of money which could be used instead to help countries in the global transition to zero carbon energy systems.”

“Gas causes a lot of methane leakage.”

This list went on. Yet the panel provided a contrary viewpoint, highlighting the criticality of gas as a transition-enabling fuel to meet the continent’s immediate needs, and as a balancing insurance provider able to address intermittency issues and imbalances on the grid.

One speaker provided context by pointing to perhaps the two most critical themes underpinning energy-associated discussions on the African continent in recent times: climate justice and energy security.

The case was made for gas in supporting both. In the case of climate justice, gas was highlighted as a low emissions alternative and cleaner source of power than coal. In regard to energy security, meanwhile, it was equally highlighted as an abundant and effective resource capable of unlocking universal access to energy across the continent.

That said, it was agreed that the current ways in which gas is accessed need to be addressed.

Highlights from aef

INTERACTIVE BOARDROOM: GAS - AFRICA’S FUEL HERE TO STAY (cont'd)

Nigeria was used as a prime example. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the number of Nigerians without access to grid electricity rose by 5.8% to 90 million at the end of 2021. Yet at the same time, the country is exporting 22 million tonnes of LNG every year.

The argument was clear – that there is a danger of gas being taken out of Africa rather than meeting the needs of the continent first and foremost. Here, concerns

were shared over Europe now increasingly turning attentions to Africa as it looks to reduce reliance on Russian energy.

Discussions turned to infrastructure as a fundamental part of the problem, with many African countries unable to either process or use products locally. It was explained that, at present, many countries are exporting unrefined fuels before reimporting them at a higher cost – a highly inefficient and cost ineffective method placing unnecessary pressures on the continent’s limited resources. Yet without investment into infrastructure development, many countries have little choice.

The debate continued to heat up as conversations progressed. Arguments were made that Africa required a three-step approach to power – to first boost power capacity, secondly make power more affordable by improvements in efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure, and only then focus on clean power.

Here, one speaker stated that expecting clean power now is simply unrealistic. They queried the panel, asking how such countries can afford just transition if they are needed to spend astronomical funds on importing fuels, and equally prioritise the development of hospitals, schools, highways and other critical national infrastructure. They passionately stated that funding such things is already hard enough if they’re hamstrung from costs because of their need to spend on power, owing to this inability to harness their own energy resources.

It was therefore agreed that gas needs to be an agent of transition – one that would allow the continent to stay committed to a growing focus on net zero, while equally helping African economies to grow, build capabilities and capacity, improve energy security, and reduce energy poverty.

However, for this to work effectively, projects need to be localised and enable regional development as a priority, be it through local employment opportunities to the expansion of distribution and transmission networks and processing facilities in local areas.

www.africa-energy-forum.com

Highlights from aef

INTERACTIVE BOARDROOM: ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN COMMERCIAL

AND INDUSTRIAL

SECTORS TO ACCELERATE ECONOMIC GROWTH

Participating organisations: Ministry of Finance Ethiopia, Renewables in Africa, BII, Norfund, Nextracker and LONGI Africa

Energy is a precursor to economic growth. Without it, industries cannot operate. However, energy also represents one of if not the biggest cost base to many commercial enterprises – if energy and industrial policies can be synchronised, African economies stand to benefit from boosted productivity and growth through more profitable and competitive enterprises.

As aef 2022 drew to a close, a wide-ranging interactive boardroom session on energy development supporting industrial activity to drive economic growth was chaired by the charismatic Renewables in Africa CEO & Editor-in-Chief Tony Tiyou.

The commercial and industrial (C&I) sector, while relatively new, presents a proposition that has the potential to provide a sound business case to all stakeholders – be they governments, investors, utilities and, of course, the businesses installing key solutions.

Indeed, up to 85% of African enterprises report power shortages impacting their operations, strengthening the case for generating energy on-site and removing transmission challenges.

What’s more, large numbers of industrial firms across the continent still rely on diesel generators to power their operations, a costly and environmentally unsustainable reality that needs to change if the region is to successfully navigate its energy transition journey.

This is where C&I solar has a key role to play. By displacing diesel generators with solar solutions (or other renewable energy generation systems), businesses will

be able to become more cost competitive, not only within Africa but also on the global stage.

Indeed, Africa was identified as one of the leading potential markets for C&I installations.

In the case of LONGI, the Chinese firm is piloting a new business model in its home country whereby it provides an integrated package solution to rural communities, covering all technological and financial support.

Highlights from aef

INTERACTIVE BOARDROOM: ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS TO ACCELERATE ECONOMIC GROWTH

(cont'd)

The premise is simple. The end customer needs power, and if a single entity can provide a turnkey answer, it will be far easier for commercial and industrial companies to take the leap. Could this approach take hold in Africa?

Of course, this is just one of many potential approaches discussed during the session, which also touched on what was required from an innovation perspective to enhance the business case for C&I solar installations.

It was accepted by the panel that greater efficiency around generation, as well as longer generation capabilities, were needed alongside designs which do not interfere with building rooftops. The incorporation of anti-theft technologies and metering was also mentioned, the latter opening up the possibility of utilities firms taking surplus power from companies’ solar installations into the grid.

The sessions ended with a nod to the future. A sector still in its infancy, the panellists were hopeful that more C&I solar would be coming online in a similar vein to what is being experienced in South Africa, where several mining and chemical firms have leveraged their own off-grid solutions to power their operations.

Looking further ahead and away from heavy industries, the potential for sectors such as telecoms to have solar generating capacity incorporated into their hardware and installations was touched upon. Given Africa’s rapid uptake of connected devices, with the number of smartphone connections in Sub-Saharan Africa set to double to 678 million by the end of 2025, this could be a promising area for the development of C&I solar in the future.

Country Spotlight Highlights

EGYPT

Participating organisations: Suez Canal Economic Zone, Sovereign Fund of Egypt, and Egyptian Electric Utility & Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency (EgyptERA), BII.

It is an exciting time for Egypt’s energy sector, which continues to act as a regional pacesetter in the adoption of clean energy technologies. Furthermore, the world’s eyes are set to be on Cairo later this year when the capital hosts COP27.

This Country Spotlight session was opened by H.E. Honourable Eng. Yehia Zaki, Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, a key industrial hub that is well positioned to support the country’s ongoing energy sector development, especially in downstream areas. Indeed, some 10% of global seaport trade passes through the canal, which saw more than 21,000 vessels navigate it last year.

His Excellency said: “We continue to sign MoUs for downstream projects and to build up the country’s renewable power supply. There is momentum around the world, and COP27 will be a critical event for investment decisions.

“We are administering a programme that involves a large number of projects… and have more than five million square metres of land ready for all kinds of developments. We are ready to move from signing MoUs to beginning front end development.”

Sherif Mohamed Zoheir Mostafa, Head of Central Department for Electricity Market at the Egyptian Electric Utility & Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency, continued the discussion by explaining how the organisation is implementing incentives such as competitive feed in tariffs to encourage more private sector investment into the sector.

“Egypt has a massive renewable capacity, with generation opportunities already open to private investment,” added Ayman Soliman, CEO of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt.

“We see renewables as a sustainable and cost-effective solution to power important industrial processes such as desalinisation – we expect to see another eight million cubic metres of capacity coming online in the next 10 years.”

Supporting the increased uptake of renewables is the Green Corridor project, a transmission and distribution scheme that was also touched on by the speakers, who outlined its crucial role in helping Egypt to deliver on its ambitious 2040 net zero target.

Another programme underway involves the electrification of Egypt’s road transport network, with plans afoot to develop charging ecosystems. Currently, the country has less than 5,000 electric vehicles registered, the panellists discussing how expanding infrastructure will drive uptake of EVs, as well as the types of incentives needed for the private sector to contribute.

www.africa-energy-forum.com

Country Spotlight Highlights

MAURITANIA

Participating organisations: Ministry of Petroleum, Energy & Mines, Mauritania and IEA.

His Excellency Honourable Abd Esselam Ould Mohamed Salah, the Minister of Petroleum, Mines & Energy, of Mauritania was in attendance at aef's Mauritania Country Spotlight.

The 11th largest country in Africa, Mauritania is currently pursuing an ambitious economic development strategy that was shared by several representing delegates during aef 2022.

Named the Strategy of Accelerated Growth and Shared Prosperity (SCAPP), its focus centres around three key enablers:

1. The promotion of strong, sustainable and inclusive growth.

2. The development of human capital and access to basic social services.

3. The strengthening of governance in all its dimensions.

The energy sector is key to achieving this development strategy, the government outlining several key objects in the industry during their presentation:

• To ensure access to affordable and reliable energy for all population by 2030.

• To ensure energy security.

• To develop national resources, particularly renewables.

• To make the energy sector a locomotive of economic and social development.

Such ambitions are realistic for the country owing to its extensive potential in the areas of both gas and renewables.

Regarding the latter, Mauritania has 4,200 GW of renewables potential including 500 GW of immediate commercial potential. Further, its northern regions provide one of few places in the world where there are stable wind speeds all day long,

providing the country with a specific competitive advantage in the realm of renewables.

In terms of natural gas, meanwhile, its reserves total 110 trillion cubic feet (TCF). Resultantly, the country has identified as many as 21 opportunities in gas that are open to private sector investment.

Additionally, the country equally outlined that it is actively exploring hydrogen with several project announcements. The biggest of these is the AMAN project which aims to produce green hydrogen through a 30 GW wind and solar hybrid project, valued at $40 billion.

With such projects, Mauritania aims to become a world leader in the production and export of green minerals and metals that will serve to accelerate economic development, the country targeting economic growth of 10% a year for a period of more than 10 years.

H.E. Honourable Abd Esselam Ould Mohamed Salah, Minister of Petroleum, Mines & Energy, Mauritania

Country Spotlight Highlights

MOZAMBIQUE

Participating organisations: Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), Mozambique and MDR Advogados/Morais Leitao.

Just transition has been a central underlying theme across several discussions at aef 2022, with many nations framing their strategies around objectives to provide universal access to electricity.

In Mozambique’s Country Spotlight session, Marcelino Gildo Alberto, Chairman & CEO and Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), outlined the country’s ambition to achieve universal electrification by 2030.

“We have already connected all district capitals to the grid, deactivating the diesel systems that were in place prior to 2018,” Alberto said. “Currently, hydroelectric accounts for more than 90% of the power EDM produces, but we are also looking at home solar, mini grid solar, LNG and other renewables to help us hit that 2030 goal.”

The country is eager to involve private sector investment in future projects via competitive tendering processes, examples including the Dondo PV solar plant in the centre of the country secured by Total, and the Mphanda Nkuwa hydro project for which contracts have also been awarded. As well as connecting all Mozambique’s citizens to power, EDM seeks to become a regional hub for energy generation and drive gender equality in the industry.

“Over the next 25 years, we need to put 8,000 MW into the system,” Alberto added. “Domestic demand alone will surpass 1,500 MW by 2029.”

Solar represents a promising renewable option to help meet this demand, Mozambique identified as ripe for solar power production due to the amount and intensity of sunlight it receives year-round. On top of the Dondo PV project, several other developments are already in the pipeline in the northern and central parts of the country, including a 15MW project at Teteriane and the 30 MW Mecufi PV site. Several natural gas generation projects are also at various stages of development in different corners of the country.

Indeed, while hydro power represents the lion’s share of generation capacity in Mozambique, it is clear that a diversified energy mix is being pursued as it moves towards its universal electrification target.

I found aef very engaging and certainly enjoyed the interactions. I am also happy that it gave us opportunities to explain what we are doing and engage a number of financial institutions. I look forward to the next session.

Stephen Dihwa, Executive Director, Coordination Centre, Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP)

Marcelino Gildo Alberto, Chairman & CEO, Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), Mozambique

Country Spotlight Highlights

SENEGAL

Participating organisations: Ministry of Petroleum & Energy, Senegal, National Agency for Renewable Energies (ANER), National Agency for the Economy and Energy Management (AEME), Senegalese Rural Electrification Agency (ASER) and ALSF.

A multitude of factors make Senegal an attractive destination for investment into energy.

A democratic and stable country, it is home to a solid infrastructure base and a business-friendly environment with legal and regulatory frameworks in place to reduce risk.

Senegal’s Country Spotlight session was thus centred around a presentation on the investment opportunities in the country, and steered by H.E. Honourable Cheikh Niane, the nation’s Vice Minister of Petroleum & Energy.

“We are in extraordinary times because of the covid pandemic and ongoing situation in Ukraine – these events have placed Africa’s economies and industries under strain,” he said. “However, I am confident we can continue to play an increasingly important role on the world stage.”

Diversification, grid stability and universal access to electricity are the foundational pillars of Senegal’s energy sector vision, which sets out to connect every citizen to power by 2025.

To get there, hydrocarbons will continue to play a role, and Senegal is blessed with abundant supplies which it plans to exploit in the coming years. His Excellency outlined several ongoing projects that are driving progress, including a programme with Mauritania which is entering conceptual development of the second phase. Phase 1, which involved a capital injection of $5.3 billion, seeks to produce 2.5 million tonnes of LNG by 2023.

A range of other oil and gas investment opportunities across 12 offshore blocks and six onshore blocks exist currently. They include the refinancing of national oil company PETROSEN, refinery upgrades, the building of LPG storage facilities, gas pipeline construction, LNG bunkering and more.

This all feeds into Senegal’s universal electrification strategy. Key to its success will be the connecting of rural areas to electricity grids and microgrids – here, Baba Diallo, General Manager of the Senegalese Rural Electrification Agency outlined that, while significant progress had been made, more than 5,000 villages are still to be electrified.

And although hydrocarbons such as natural gas will be central to this objective being achieved, renewables form an important part of Senegal’s energy vision. Djiby Ndiaye, General Manager of the National Agency for Renewable Energies, explained how solar installations had already enabled thousands of villages to access power.

Other topics covered during presentation included gas to power and energy efficiency strategies, both representing opportunities for investors to make their mark on the sector.

Country Spotlight Highlights

SOUTH AFRICA

Participating organisations: Ministry of Mineral Resources & Energy, South Africa, IPP Office, South Africa, National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), South Africa and BII.

South Africa’s country spotlight session kicked off with a ministerial keynote presentation from the country’s H.E. Honourable Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources & Energy, who outlined developments and investment opportunities in the country’s energy sector.

“The world is experiencing challenges,” she said. “South Africa is also affected by the geopolitical events taking place – the situation has highlighted the urgent need to build energy security across the continent.”

Her Excellency went on to explain how South Africa’s coal stations are approaching their end of life, with almost all facilities winding down between now and 2040. As a result, by 2030 the government aims to reduce reliance on coal power to 60%.

“Renewables should be the driving force behind the development of our energy,” Her Excellency added, “but we agreed with the IEA’s recent report that explained how natural gas also has an important transition role to play. The IEA’s report is very timely, and I feel it aligns well with South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan. Our future energy mix must incorporate a broad range of clean technologies, from solar and nuclear to carbon capture and battery storage… The approach must be open and involve the solutions that are right for South Africa and ensure stability and security.”

Significant renewable energy, battery storage and gas to power programmes are being finalised, with announcements due to be made throughout the remainder of 2022.

“We welcome investments into local projects that drive a just energy transition –South Africa is open for business,” the Honourable Minister concluded.

The session expanded on some of the opportunities for private sector involvement in the country’s energy transition journey, the panellists outlining their expectations for a number of new players to enter the market now regulatory frameworks are maturing.

These include mining firms. Here, Australia was highlighted as a potential example to follow in relation to the way it has involved junior miners in energy exploration activities.

Another critical imperative identified by George Lekorotsoana, Chief of Staff, Ministry of Mineral Resources & Energy, involved people. “Any transition and journey must not leave ordinary South African people behind,” he said. “We need to bring on board young South Africans and build up skills – these people will be driving our energy transition in the future.”

Ministerial keynote presentation by H.E. Honourable Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources & Energy, South Africa

Country Spotlight Highlights

UGANDA

Participating organisations: Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development, Uganda, Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Uganda, and Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Uganda and AfDB.

Conducting the ministerial keynote presentation for Uganda’s country spotlight, H.E. Honourable Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy & Mineral Development, kicked off by highlighting the country’s enormous natural resource pool that comprises 57 core minerals alongside geothermal, hydro, petroleum and wind energy prospects.

Outlining the country’s key priorities, the Honourable Minister explained that Uganda is presently looking to increase electricity generation capacity and expand its transmission network. Further, ambitions to modernise the country’s energy services through rural electrification and renewable energy development were outlined, as well as a focus on providing clean cooking fuels with specialised tariffs and developing legislation centred around energy efficiency and conservation.

The latter of these goals are owing to the country’s alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – to help end poverty, but in a sustainable manner.

“We are aiming to establish the availability and potential of various energy services in the country. The objective is to increase access to modern and affordable energy,” Her Excellency explained.

“We also want to improve energy governance and administration and management of energy related environmental impacts. This is the way to go. We intend to promote energy integration with a sustainable focus.”

Several strategies have been deployed to support the country’s sustainable energy development. This includes the deployment of a renewable energy feed-in tariff,

and power purchase agreements for renewable energy projects up to 20 MW to help reduce transaction costs.

The country has also launched a National Electrification Strategy that emphasises the use of off-grid solutions, helping to supply energy to those hard-to-reach communities across Uganda, such as the Ssese Islands. To support such communities, Uganda has inaugurated an organisation that works with private banks and credit facilities to provide affordable credit which can be tapped into by those set away from the grid, enabling them to buy solar panels.

The country has also dedicated funds to conducting feasibility studies in order to boost investor confidence, while several landmark projects are now boosting the country’s energy supply. This includes the 600 MW Karuma hydroelectric power station that is expected to be completed June 2022, and the 183 MW Simba hydroelectric powerplant which was completed in 2019.

Alongside hydropower, the Honourable Minister explained that Uganda’s geothermal energy potential is slated to be 1,500 MW, while its solar energy potential is also extensive. Additionally, the country discovered 6.5 billion barrels of oil in 2006, 1.4 billion barrels of which are recoverable.

Here, the Honourable Minister concluded by pointing to Uganda’s political stability, liberal economy, proven track record in private sector engagement, 40 universities, ongoing industrialisation and land linked position to integrate with regional economies as just some key competitive advantages providing a fruitful investment landscape.

H.E. Honourable Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy & Mineral Development, Uganda

Country Spotlight Highlights

ZAMBIA

Participating organisations: ZESCO, Zambia and AMEA Power.

Zambia’s Country Spotlight was spearheaded by Victor Mapani (Managing Director) and Vickson Ncube (Board Chairperson) of ZESCO – the country’s stateowned power provider producing approximately 80% of all electricity consumed nationally.

ZESCO owns its own power generation infrastructure totalling approximately 2,600 MW, of which the vast majority stems from hydropower. Further, the organisation also procures approximately 900 MW of power from independent power producers (IPPs). In total, the organisation serves around 1.3 million customers (89% being retail, and the remaining 11% industrial).

The discussion was opened by Ncube, who outlined ZESCO’s key strategic priorities:

1. To enhance customer satisfaction and improve access to energy across Zambia.

2. To transform financial structure, moving to a position of strength.

3. To play a central role in powering the industrialisation of Zambia.

4. To improve energy integration with neighbouring countries.

They recapped, explaining how the country recently shifted emphasis with the launch of the Zambian Electricity Act of 2019 that opened up the market's generation, transmission and distribution projects to private investment.

Mapani then gave his presentation, explaining that the country equally needed to diversify its energy mix to reduce the country’s overreliance on hydro, calling on partners to invest in power generations markets to support this.

Equally, however, several projects ready for implementation along the Zambezi River, with Victoria Falls standing as a huge power generation asset for the country. This includes 2,400 MW of studies completed, ready for implementation.

In the field of transmission, the country is pursuing several promising partnerships with neighbouring countries which are at various stages. These include:

• ZiZaBoNa – Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia interconnection project.

• ZTK – Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya interconnection project.

• MoZa – Zambia Mozambique interconnection project.

• MaZa – Zambia, Malawi interconnection project.

• ZaD1, ZaD2 and ZaD3 – three interconnections project between Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo.

• ZaAn – Zambia, Angola interconnection project.

Bordering eight other countries, this strategic emphasis is logical. Indeed, the delegates explained that Zambia is not landlocked, but land linked, emphasising the opportunities that this will bring in exporting power to a range of markets and importing power as needed.

Representatives from ZESCO Zambia and AMEA Power

aef Participant Feedback

This was the first time ATI was returning to attend aef since Lisbon in 2019. As always heading into such an event, you go in with a full list of meetings and lofty expectations of what you can achieve during the week – this years’ event certainly fulfilled ATI’s wish list!

On one of the days, we were able to meet with most of our strategic partners, including clients that we have supported with our PRI and RLSF cover over the past three years – to achieve such networking and in-person engagement would ordinarily take several weeks and considerable travel for all parties. In addition to the networking opportunities, the various sessions were quite informative and provided helpful insights on some of the market trends. Without a doubt, #aef2022 represented great value for money for our organization – we look forward to continuing our sponsorship of the event and collaboration with EnergyNet as #aef2023 comes to Nairobi!

Obbie Banda, Underwriter, Acting RLSF Coordinator, ATI

Thank you so much for hosting me in Belgium. I really found the forum beneficial as I am witnessing a number of developers and investors reaching out. I am already planning for Kenya 2023 and look forward to it.

Frank Tinarwo, Principal Energy Development Officer, Ministry of Energy & Power Development, Zimbabwe

Thank you for the opportunity to speak at the aef. It was quite rewarding and value adding. I liked the participation of attendees in all sessions I attended. That was eye opening hence enables decision making. The whole event was well organised, with a wide range of exhibitors. Well-done for a good job.

Felister Makumbinde, Finance Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Zimbabwe

This was our first time attending the Africa Energy Forum. This is a first class conference and exceptionally well attended. We will be back again next year.

Hugo Hill, Managing Director, TRM

www.africa-energy-forum.com

AFSIA Solar Awards Winners

Utility Scale Project of the year

InfraCo Africa & JCM Power

Commercial & Industrial Solar Project of the year

W. Giertsen Energy Solutions

Mini Grid Project of the year

Nuru

Solar Home System Company of the year

ENGIE Energy Access

Productive Use Application of the year

Solektra Rwanda

Solar innovation of the year

GreenBox

Video of the year

CrossBoundary Energy

Deal/Financing program of the year

SunFunder

Solar entrepreneur/SME of the year

USAFI GREEN ENERGY

African solar company of the year

CrossBoundary Energy

Advisor / Consultant of the year (Financial/Legal/ Technical)

Harmattan Renewables

Picture of the year

Distributed Power Africa

Life-time achievement award

Manoj Sinha

www.africa-energy-forum.com

2022 WINNERS

aef Photo of the Year Competition Winners

Celebrating excellence in Africa’s transformative impact of energy projects

The aef Photo of the year competition returned to aef in 2022. We were pleased with the support and excitement around the competition, where we saw over 80 entries across the three new categories, including: energy in action in the community, within the landscape, or in empowering the youth.

Thank you to all the entrants and congratulations to the winners.

– Distributed Power

Energy and Youth – Globeleq –Raphael is one of the hundreds of young energy professionals who has progressed through the industrial practical training at the Songas power plant, Tanzania

aef 2022 Photo of the Year – Winner

aef 2022 Photo of the Year – Winner Energy in Action – InfraCo Africa – Water flows using solar powered irrigation Senegal

aef 2022 Photo of the Year – Winner Energy in Landscape

Africa – Tanganda Tea Estate

If

+44

+44

Howard@EnergyNet.co.uk

Launch of YES! Youth Energy Summit

Over 50 energy leaders of today and tomorrow met for the launch of the YES! Youth Energy Summit 21-24 June in Brussels.

Beginning on the main stage of the Africa Energy Forum alongside industry heavyweights and 13 African Energy Ministers, the YES! launch had a starring role in the wider 1800-person event.

By the end of the week, we had tales of entrepreneurs attracting vital investment, long sought-after connections made, and heroes met! We had appearances from, among many others, Joseph Nganga (Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet), Habiba Ali (Sosai Renewable Energies), Karen Breytenbach (ex IPP Office), Andy Herscowitz (US DFC), along with students, early career professionals, entrepreneurs and educators from across Africa.

YES! is planning both future events and the launch of a 'beyond privilege' free-toaccess digital platform. In June 2023, YES! will reach its biggest audience with up to 1000 attendees joining us in Nairobi alongside aef. Brussels was the perfect launchpad. See you in Nairobi!

John Whiting

YES! Project Lead

The event being launched alongside aef meant we could have access not only to each other, but to other industry professionals who are leading amazing work in the sector. The programme was also well tailored for participants involved in different areas, but united in wanting to see the energy sector advance in Africa. We met and connected over a number of days which was extremely beneficial for the longer-term networking and potential future collaborations.

Student, University of Cape Town

YES! Attendee breakdown

Attendee by type

Over 50 total attendees

Attendee industry breakdown

45% Stakeholder

21% Student

20% Early Career Professional

powered by africa energy forum

Thank you so much for everything this week at YES! and aef, and for inviting Student Energy to participate in this exciting launch. I left the conference feeling energised, and with so many new connections – really looking forward to seeing how the YES! Summit shapes up over the next year.

Shakti Ramkumar, Director of Communications, Student Energy

4% Educator

powered by africa energy forum

YES! Agenda

Day 1 - Tuesday 21 June

Welcome to aef2022: Registration and YES! Networking Lunch

EnergyNet Welcome

Country Host Remarks

Launching of YES! (Youth Energy Summit)

Africa and Europe – Essential Energy Partners

Forum Sponsor Remarks

aef 2022: Ministerial Roundtable – Africa for Africa Building Energy for the Just Transition – What Does Africa Want?

Day 2 - Wednesday 22 June: What is YES!

Reunited in One Place Celebration

Registration and Networking Coffee

Empowering the Next Generation of Africa Energy Sector Professionals – YES!

Presenting the ambitions, importance and objectives of the YES! programme and hear from former EnergyNet Student Engagement Initiative (ESEI) Students discussing their participation in the programme and the impact it made on their lives.

Africa Talks… Habiba Ali, CEO, Sosai Renewable Energies

Intimate conversation with an inspirational leader in the African Energy Sector.

Refreshments and Chat

Open Session: How can technology empower and create equal opportunity?

What is required when creating a digital platform to empower the next generation of Africa’s energy sector professionals. What tools and resources do you need to develop your career? What issues can a digital platform overcome?

Africa Talks… Karen Breytenbach, Director, Juniper Consulting & Former Head of the IPP Office, South Africa

Intimate conversation with an inspirational leader in the African Energy Sector.

Outside of YES!-specific sessions, participants were encouraged to network and attend sessions within the wider aef.

powered by africa energy forum

YES! Agenda

Day 2 - Wednesday 22 June: What is YES!

Tour of the Exhibition and Networking Lunch

Deloitte Masterclass: Electrifying Africa – how to transform a challenge into business opportunities?

Dare to Dream and Invest in Africa’s Human Capital Now

With 50% of the world’s population under 30 living on the continent by 2050 and Africa’s continued economic development, the youth will be integral to the energy sector's growth. How can investing in Africa’s human capital lift the boat of the whole sector? Could youth-centric metrics be built into energy investments?

Refreshments and Chat

Student Workshop: Perspectives of tomorrow's innovators and energy sector leaders

Refreshments and Chat

Day 3 - Thursday 23 June: Inspire and Challenge

Registration and Networking Coffee

Entrepreneur Workshop: Understanding existing barriers, what technologies and financing initiatives are available and how can entrepreneurs access them.

Refreshments and Chat

Early Career Professionals Workshop: Is Technology breaking down barriers to development, personal growth and crucial grass roots opportunities for early career professionals?

Meet the developers – Networking Lunch

Educators Workshop: Preparing the next generation of African energy professionals – Bridging the gap between educators and companies within the African energy sector.

Closing Session: The Energy Future Starts Now – Nairobi 2023

Networking and Coffee

Outside of YES!-specific sessions, participants were encouraged to network and attend sessions within the wider aef.

Highlights from YES!

YES! – Habiba Ali

Africa Talks… Habiba Ali, CEO, Sosai Renewable Energies

Moderator: Zeddy Bariti, Communications Specialist, KenGen

Intimate conversation with an inspirational leader in the African Energy Sector.

There was a time when Habiba Ali was the only go-to woman in African energy – a trailblazer from a Nigerian perspective, from a gender perspective, and from an entrepreneurship perspective.

As CEO of SOSAI Renewable Energies, her profile has only increased over the years, but fortunately for her, she is now seeing an additional group of young entrepreneurs, and female entrepreneurs, rise to the fore across Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

For Habiba, this has been something of a blessing, freeing up a small amount of time to get back to what she loves best – getting out in the field and seeing the results of her company’s initiatives, projects and solutions; especially in more rural areas.

It is an often humbling and emotional experience to see the upshots of localised upliftment; a value and feeling that stems from her own childhood experiences. Her father promoted a strong sense of self sufficiency and making the most of circumstances. Through watching him farm, fish and hunt to make ends meet at times, this passion to both create opportunity and to give back to others soon manifested in Habiba’s business ambitions.

However, it wasn’t until her fellowship experience that this passion for giving back was understood properly.

“I was taught to understand my own driving force, which wasn’t just my business drive as I had thought, but it was making people happy, and helping others,” she explained.

This epiphany has no doubt catalysed her business ventures ever since, targeting an innovative solution towards segments of society in desperate need of power and upliftment. Habiba complements this core effort with a host of additional responsibilities, often focused on African women in energy, and towards the continent’s youth.

She added: “Encouraging youth is key as it comes with new ideas, and a passion to see and enact change.

“The role of young people is to be agents of change and to tackle challenges. It is their future laid out in front of all of us, and there is no time like now for them to get serious, and start asking questions to the right people.”

Africa’s youth need to look inwardly, like Habiba did, to realise what matters to them and their futures. The next step is having the drive to begin working towards that future.

“There are so many more communities to electrify, and people – especially women – to empower,” Habiba concluded. “I’ve been very lucky in my life to come from where I did to where I am today. I am very fulfilled and continue to enjoy helping other people towards the same level of fulfilment.”

Habiba Ali, CEO, Sosai Renewable Energies talks to Zeddy Bariti, Communications Specialist, KenGen

Highlights from YES!

YES! – Karen Breytenbach

Africa Talks… Karen Breytenbach, Director, Juniper Consulting & Former Head of the IPP Office, South Africa

Moderator: Zeddy Bariti, Communications Specialist, KenGen

The first step for young entrepreneurs and visionaries trying to make a difference in the energy sector, is refusing to say no.

This was the invaluable advice offered by continental trailblazer, Karen Breytenbach who is now Director at Juniper Consulting but perhaps best known for her tireless work elevating private sector influence in South Africa’s energy sector.

This unwillingness to accept defeat is a significant reason why the South African finance landscape is now so much more diverse when it comes to power provision. Entering a domain where Eskom ruled the roost as a state-owned entity, and encouraging a new way of thinking and operating to ensure less risk and more opportunity, was no mean feat.

Success came from simply not accepting “no”. This is a tenet that Karen implores young Africans to adopt now, too.

“If you want to get anywhere just don’t accept being told no,” she said. “People say that word too easily regardless of whether the idea is good or not. It’s always easier not to debate or consider change, but most people will eventually listen to reason if the argument is good.”

The influence of the private sector in South Africa is such that IPPs can now enter the sector and commit to private company ideas and investment prospects. Diversifying the source of power has been – and will continue to be – invaluable to tackling South Africa’s energy challenges.

“It wasn’t an easy road starting this IPP programme venture from nothing, but I can honestly say this was one of the best parts of my time in that office,” Karen explained.

Another highlight put forward refers to the level of social upliftment that has derived from this diversification of the sector. Developing procurement documents in a way that forced private entities to pledge spend to socio-economic development and then entrepreneurial development has ensured a more holistic and sustainable evolution of the industry.

Karen continued: “Often, that money goes into education, or for IPPs to offer bursaries for kids to go to university, or to be offered work experience as graduated engineers. I look forward to seeing how that gets taken forward and improved even further.”

This isn’t to say that students or graduates should wait for these opportunities to fall to them, however. Rather, the emphasis should be on putting hands up and making themselves known, now. In this regard, Karen urges courage, an appetite to voice ideas, and a passion to enact positive change.

She concluded: “It’s about pushing a good idea through without accepting no. People sometimes just need an extra push to listen, so get yourself in a position where your voice counts.”

Karen Breytenbach, Director, Juniper Consulting & Former Head of the IPP Office, South Africa, talks to Zeddy Bariti, Communications Specialist, KenGen

Highlights from YES!

YES! - Entrepreneur Workshop: Understanding existing barriers, what technologies and financing initiatives are available and how can entrepreneurs access them

Today’s young entrepreneurs will assume a critical role in advancing Africa towards net zero.

Indeed, fast forward two decades and it is this generation of investors, politicians and businesspeople who will be responsible for many of the key decisions that will determine the success of energy transition strategies.

We therefore cannot underappreciate the importance of opening up opportunities for young people to learn and build experience in the present. In this session of the Youth Energy Summit at aef 2022, panellists gathered to share their thoughts and experiences around the existing barriers to entry facing young entrepreneurs, and how they can be overcome.

Moderated by venture capitalist Raj Kulasingam, who himself has interests in more than 50 companies, the discussion took a conversational form between the panellists and audience members, many of whom were students and PhD holders from African universities.

Accessing finance became the dominant topic. As someone who had started a business in 2016, Buffalo Energy’s Charlie Troughton initially raised funds through friends and family which opened the door to DFI capital. His business has since gone from strength to strength, the company on the verge of achieving financial close on what will be Africa’s first merchant power station.

“Investors don’t want you to just come with an idea – they want to see you have put in the hard yards,” he said. “We spent six months just scoping out opportunities to put into our pitch deck. You have to talk to people seriously and know what you are talking about.

Show you understand your customers’ and your market’s needs. How does your idea fit, solve problems, and add value?”

Investors are also generally time-poor and faced with bundles of propositions and pitch decks on a daily basis. That first impression, those first few minutes, are key.

“It is all about selling a story,” added Ammarens Bruggenkamp, Manager, Africa Energy at Dutch development bank FMO. “I am excited to be here as these discussions are exactly what investors want to hear. I am a simple financial person who does not have a lot of time – what is your USP, what are you going to achieve? If you can excite us, that goes a long way.”

Highlights from YES!

The discussion soon turned to how young entrepreneurs can make the most of networking, the panellists fielding questions around how to approach different forms of connections. Most shared examples of utilising people they knew to make introductions on their behalf, and in the realm of LinkedIn, the need for subtlety was emphasised.

“Rather than simply hit ‘connect’, follow the person first. Make a comment on an update. Show an interest before putting yourself in front of them,” advised Kulasingam, himself on the receiving end of countless connection requests.

The young audience was also told that entrepreneurship, especially in the early days, is tough. Passion, rather than returns, is the vital currency that should fuel motivation and endeavour.

Olakunle Alao, Energy Researcher & Founder of Kapitly, a blockchain-powered crowdfunding platform designed to provide an alternative channel for private funds to enter the African energy market, explained that his idea came from a desire to make a difference.

“IPPs have transformed investment in Africa since they were introduced, but a huge investment gap remains,” he said. “After completing my PhD, I knew I wanted to do something about it and create a platform that enables investment transparency.”

And there is the capital and investment appetite out there to back passionate entrepreneurs of the future. Today, there are several African unicorn businesses making waves, and in today’s information age, it has never been easier to access advice and connect with people willing to offer their support.

Bruggenkamp concluded by addressing the audience: “You are smart. You are able to learn. Learn how to write a good project plan, learn about the basics of finance, learn everything you can.”

I would personally like to thank you for the amazing opportunity to participate in YES, I feel honoured to have been invited and on top of that be given a speaking opportunity. When I got invited, I had no idea what to expect, but I took a leap of faith and it was the best decision. I am thankful for all the effort, and time you all made to prepare a well thought our programme for us, with amazing speakers. I was fully engaged in all the sessions and I personally feel like the sky is the limit, in terms of my career growth in the energy space. Attending the YES/ aef, allowed me to network with peers and experts I would have never met elsewhere. I would like to volunteer myself to assist or participate in any future EnergyNet or aef/ YES events in future. I truly believe in and support the work you are doing for the youth in Africa.

Noella Molefe, Senior Advisor Climate Change & Sustainable Development | Just Energy Transition Office, ESKOM

Andy Herscowitz, Chief Development Officer, of DFC joins the Entrepreneur Workshop alongside representatives from Dentons, Kapitly, Tatanga Energy, Sunflower Energy Africa, Africa Energy, FMO and Craftskills Wind Energy International

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YES! Participant Feedback

The Youth Energy Summit (YES!) 2022 was, in one word, scintillating. From the sessions to the speakers to the attendees, every element of the Summit connected and contributed greatly to its success. And the organizers were more than wonderful. I'd say it exceeded my expectations for a first-time event.

Student, University of Nigeria

I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of YES!. The sessions were very interesting and I really enjoyed the entrepreneur and the educators' workshops.

Student, University of Cape Town

Well organized, a great chance to network and insightful information.

Early Career Professional, J.P. Morgan

The speakers, moderators and attendees involved for the launch were very knowledgeable, issues discussed were related to the youth and preparation of the youth for the future of work in the energy sector.

Early Career Professional, KenGen

The launch was a success. I have gained a lot of knowledge about various aspects of the industry. It was very interactive. It also allowed me to continuously be engaged while providing me with a chance to connect with amazing individuals. It was definitely worthwhile and I'm honoured to have been part of this amazing initiative created for the youth!

Early Career Professional, IPP Office

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YES! Participant Feedback

The launch was a huge success. I truly enjoyed how we got the to engage with different stakeholders as well as with one another as young people, imparting invaluable knowledge that I’m confident will be of great benefit moving forward in the in the progression and development of my career.

Early Career Professional, IPP Office

The event was well organised, the pavilion was very well designed and put together and the general discussions were interesting.

Student, University of Cape Town

I saw all the effort put into the plan to make it work from the dedication of the team.

Entrepreneur, Nigeria

Everything went smoothly and I really enjoyed the sessions.

Student, University of Cape Town

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