Kenya hosts conference to discuss energy transition in Africa
The conference will bring together scholars, experts, professors of global higher education institutions, policy makers and industry leaders from across Africa to strategise on energy transition topics critical to the continent’s future
NAIROBI, April 8, 2025 – At a critical time for Africa’s power sector and development, the International Network on African Energy Transition [INAET] will meet in Nairobi, Kenya on April 8-9, 2025 to discuss the path forward for the continent’s energy transition and how the public and private sectors can partner to increase access to more reliable, affordable, and clean energy.
The conference will bring together scholars, experts, professors of global higher education institutions, policy makers and industry leaders from across Africa to strategise on energy transition topics critical to the continent’s future, including the role of financial institutions, policy development, biofuels, digitalisation, the nexus between energy, agriculture, and water, and the essential role of women in Africa’s energy transformation.
INAET, which aims to strengthen intra-African dialogue and cooperation on energy and sustainability issues, is a network of think-tanks promoted by Eni, the Italian energy company, and the School of Government of Luiss Guido Carli University in Rome, an Italian higher education institution specialising in public policy, governance, and international affairs.
This year’s conference is organized in partnership with IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, underscoring the strong cooperation among academic institutions, development banks, and the private sector in addressing Africa’s energy challenges and opportunities.
The event will also highlight the essential role of private sector sponsors, including Bayer, Alpha Group, and WTS Energy, who are supporting this year’s conference, which builds on the network’s launch in Rome in 2023. Scholars, practitioners, and stakeholders committed to advancing Africa’s energy transition are kindly invited to join the Nairobi conference.
“Africa’s energy transition is not just a regional priority; it is a global imperative. This conference provides a unique opportunity to ensure African voices are central to the conversation, shaping solutions that are both just and sustainable,” said Domenico Lombardi, Professor of Public Policy Practice at Luiss School of Government.
“Eni has been creating long-term shared value in Africa, working side by side with hosting Countries” commented Marco Piredda, Head of International Relations, Eni. “As the continent gains relevance in compelling global issues – from new supply chains to climate mitigation and adaptation – it is essential to foster dialogue on the just energy transition, highlighting the challenges and unique opportunities that are relevant for Africa’s development. We launched the idea of INAET for such purpose and this second conference in Nairobi confirms the interest of all actors – institutions, companies, academy and civil society – to strengthen this network.”
“Africa is the region with the fastest-growing energy needs, yet it remains the continent with the least access,” said Mary Porter Peschka, IFC’s Director for Eastern Africa. “IFC and the rest of the World Bank Group are committed to helping the millions without power in Africa gain access, a goal that will require large and long-term investments and strong partnerships among many stakeholders. The INAET conference is an invaluable platform for building and strengthening those partnerships.”
Nairobi has been chosen as the host city for the conference due to its role in Africa’s energy transition. Kenya stands at the forefront of renewable energy adoption, with one of the highest shares of renewables in its energy mix. The country’s commitment to sustainable initiatives aligns with INAET’s mission of advancing the energy transition debate across the continent. Nairobi is a hub for global and regional discussions on sustainable development and the WBG is exciting to be reinforcing its presence in the country.
The conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to promote collaboration between African and international experts, researchers, private sector leaders, and institutional representatives. Interdisciplinary discussions will be aimed at generating actionable insights for stakeholders and policymakers.
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