The EMERGE consortium gathered online on 30 April 2026 for its 3rd General Assembly (GA), bringing together partners from Europe and Africa to review progress, share updates, and coordinate the next steps in advancing sustainable energy system modelling and clean energy solutions across the African continent.

As the project enters its final phase, the meeting highlighted the strong momentum built across work packages and reaffirmed the consortium’s commitment to delivering impactful tools, stakeholder engagement activities, and policy-oriented outcomes that support Africa’s green energy transition.

Advancing the EMERGE Knowledge Infrastructure

A major focus of the discussions was the continued development of the EMERGE knowledge ecosystem, including the project database and knowledge base. Partners reviewed progress in consolidating datasets and strengthening integration with the EMERGE toolbox, creating a foundation for more informed energy system analysis and decision-making.

The EMERGE Knowledge Base continues to evolve as a central platform providing access to project resources, tools, pilot information, and stakeholder-oriented content. This integrated approach aims to improve accessibility and facilitate knowledge sharing across regions and sectors.

Progress in the EMERGE Toolbox Development

Consortium partners also shared important updates on the EMERGE Toolbox, a suite of modelling and decision-support tools designed to support sustainable energy planning while considering environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

Several tools have reached advanced stages of development and validation, including solutions supporting energy scenario analysis, network planning, battery optimization, and storage placement. Partners reported encouraging progress across pilot regions, with ongoing refinement based on user feedback and practical applications.

The discussions also highlighted the increasing educational potential of the toolbox, with some solutions already being explored in academic contexts and training activities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Co-Design Activities

Engagement with local stakeholders remains a key pillar of the EMERGE approach. Partners reviewed plans for upcoming co-design workshops, policy-focused discussions, and collaborative activities designed to ensure that solutions respond to local needs and priorities.

The consortium also discussed the organization of regional mini-hackathons that will stimulate innovation and support the development of locally relevant clean energy ideas and solutions across pilot regions.

These activities aim to strengthen collaboration between researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, and local communities while promoting practical pathways toward sustainable energy development.

Validation and Replication Potential

The General Assembly also highlighted progress in demonstrating and validating project outcomes across pilot regions. Partners continue to assess how the project’s approaches and solutions can be adapted and replicated in additional contexts throughout Africa.

By combining technical validation with user feedback and regional insights, EMERGE seeks to ensure that developed tools remain practical, accessible, and responsive to real-world challenges.

Strengthening Impact and Building Long-Term Value

Updates were also presented on communication, networking, scientific dissemination, and exploitation activities. The project continues to expand its outreach efforts through events, digital channels, and collaboration with sister initiatives and key stakeholders.

Looking ahead, consortium partners will continue working toward final deliverables, policy recommendations, and clean energy transition roadmaps that will support long-term impact beyond the project’s duration.

The EMERGE consortium remains committed to fostering collaboration between Europe and Africa and to creating practical solutions that contribute to a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Stay connected with EMERGE for upcoming workshops, stakeholder activities, and project developments as we continue shaping pathways for green development across Africa.