By Patience Chat Moses
Global energy giants, Eni, in collaboration with the Italian Luiss University in Rome, have launched the International Network on African Energy Transition (INAET). Aimed at gathering major institutions, universities, think-tanks and scholars from Africa, Europe and worldwide to set up a common hub on the continent’s transition; the conference has established an international research network for African energy transition.
With Africa being home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies, the energy transition offers huge opportunities for the continent. INAET’s ambition is to tap its potential, exploring new paths for collaboration among the key actors at stake.
The 2-days inaugural conference in Rome, which kicked-off on 16 November and ended on 17th November, recorded the participation of high-level universities, research centers and institutions from Algeria, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa.
These African institutions created synergies with European and international universities and institutions, such as the European University Institute, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Atlantic Council, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, and other relevant stakeholders.
Matching the leading academic experience of Luiss University with Eni’s know-how in the energy sector and its wide and deeply rooted presence in Africa, the event addressed top issues including; mitigation and adaptation measures for climate change; Africa’s development paths and the resources needed; younger generation’s outlook on the energy transition; African priorities in the energy transition; international players and private sector role in the African energy transition.
At the event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerian Sustainable Industrial Special Economic Zone, Amy Jadesimi; Executive Director, Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa, Chukwuka Onyekwena; and an Associate Professor, University of Lagos, Peter Oluseyi, participated as keynote speakers and speakers at a panel session.
Eni has been operating in Africa since the 1950s, and currently operates in 14 countries in the continent. The company is committed to improving energy access in Africa through a wide portfolio of projects, ranging from traditional to renewable energy production and innovative initiatives.
The firm is responsible for supplying energy efficient cook stoves in Mozambique, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, among others that help in integrating the African countries into the biofuel value chain, investing on the creation of research centers focused on new energies in Oyo, Congo.
It also has a Solar Lab in Algeria, among others powering water wells through photovoltaics in partnership with international agencies in Nigeria, and also investing in educational programs focused on the energy sector and upskilling in Egypt, Mozambique, Côte d’Ivoire, and many other African countries.
Luiss University, currently ranked 14th for Political and International studies in the prestigious 2023 QS Ranking by Subject, actively contributes to the training of the future African ruling class.
Through the Sub-Saharan African Project (“Progetto Africa Subsahariana”), financed by Eni itself, Luiss is offering scholarships to students from Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Rwanda and Burundi. The students are expected to become the new global leaders and managing the geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges of the coming years in their continent.