Eni, university launch network on African energy transition

Eni and the Italian Luiss University kick off in Rome today the International Network on African Energy Transition (INAET), gathering major institutions, universities, think tanks, and scholars from Africa, Europe, and worldwide to set up a common hub on the continent’s 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 and explore new paths for collaboration among the key actors.

The 2-days inaugural conference in Rome, taking place today and tomorrow, sees 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.

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According to the partners, they will create synergies with European and international universities and institutions, such as the European University Institute, the International Monetary Fund, 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.

The statement released by the partners stated: “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 plans to address five top priorities: mitigation and adaptation measures for climate change.

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“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.”

Eni has been operating in Africa since the 1950s and currently operates in 14 countries on 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.

Eni is supplying energy-efficient cookstoves to Mozambique, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya, among others, integrating the African countries into the biofuel value chain, and investing in the creation of research centers focused on new energies.

The Italian oil major is also powering water wells through photovoltaics in partnership with international agencies, investing in educational programs focused on the energy sector and upskilling.

Meanwhile, 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. Thanks to 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.