Abuja, Nigeria | 9–10 July 2025

The first AU-AU Study Visit under the EMERGE Project – Energy System Modelling for Green Development of Africa is currently taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, from 9–10 July 2025. Hosted by AfriLabs, a key African partner in the EMERGE consortium, the two-day event brings together policymakers, technical experts, and clean energy leaders from Nigeria, Mali, Morocco, and Mozambique for a high-level exchange on building inclusive, locally rooted, and scalable energy solutions across Africa.

This cross-regional initiative marks a major milestone for EMERGE, a Horizon Europe-funded project that seeks to equip African stakeholders with practical tools and data-driven strategies to increase clean energy production and promote the sustainable use of resources.

Responding to Urgent Energy Challenges

As the continent faces increasing climate vulnerability, low electrification rates, and rising energy demand, the imperative to develop resilient and locally anchored energy systems grows stronger. While Africa contributes the least to global emissions, it bears a disproportionate burden of climate impacts. Addressing this imbalance requires more than technology or finance—it calls for deeper regional collaboration, investment in local innovation, and policy frameworks tailored to Africa’s realities.

The AU-AU Study Visit serves as a platform to explore these dynamics through peer learning and practical engagement—advancing the EMERGE vision of inclusive, participatory energy modelling rooted in African ecosystems.

Highlights from Day 1

The first day of the AU-AU Study Visit provided participants with a rich, on-the-ground perspective into Nigeria’s strategies for expanding access to clean energy. Delegates had the opportunity to engage directly with leading national institutions, including the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL). These interactions offered a clear window into the country’s multi-layered approach to addressing energy gaps and strengthening infrastructure.

Throughout the day, sessions delved into a series of timely themes. Case studies brought forward practical examples of how Nigeria is extending energy access in rural and underserved regions. Discussions also emphasized the growing importance of science and technology in accelerating the energy transition, spotlighting real-time innovations that are already being implemented. In parallel, financing emerged as a central topic—with particular focus on models like M300, which aim to unlock capital for green infrastructure development across Africa.

In the afternoon, three panel discussions offered thought-provoking dialogue around the key drivers of innovation. Speakers examined how policy reforms can align institutional capacity with implementation goals, shared approaches for overcoming financial barriers at the local level, and reflected on the deployment of technology tailored to diverse African contexts. The day closed with a strong sense of collaboration and momentum for what lies ahead.

Looking Ahead: Day 2

Building on the foundations laid during the first day, the second day of the Study Visit will shift from dialogue to practice. The programme features interactive workshops and field visits designed to deepen participants’ understanding of real-world applications. These hands-on sessions will highlight successful pilot projects, enabling delegates to explore how tested frameworks can be replicated or adapted to address the unique challenges of their own regions.

Crucially, Day 2 offers space for cross-border collaboration—connecting lessons learned with future planning and reinforcing EMERGE’s core mission: to support regionally grounded, African-led clean energy solutions that are both scalable and inclusive.

EMERGE’s Role and Vision

EMERGE focuses on co-designing a Toolbox and Knowledge Base tailored to the realities of three African ecosystems: North Western Africa (Morocco), the Niger River Region (Mali/Nigeria), and East Africa (Mozambique). These tools are developed through a participatory approach that values local knowledge, socio-economic contexts, and community engagement.

The AU-AU Study Visit, as the first of its kind under EMERGE, exemplifies this commitment to collaboration and practical engagement. By connecting regions, institutions, and experts, the event creates space for mutual learning, trust-building, and actionable planning that will shape Africa’s clean energy future.

About the EMERGE Project

Coordinated by UNIZAG-FSB, EMERGE unites 11 multidisciplinary partners from 9 countries in Europe and Africa: AfriLabs (NG), Artelys (FR), BrainIT (HR), CARTIF (ES), CIRCE (ES), ECREEE (CV), Eduardo Mondlane University – UEM (MZ), EnGreen (IT), ESEIA – European Sustainable Energy Innovation Alliance (AT), and Mohamed First University (MA).