The SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE), represented by Kornelia Silishebo, participated in the inaugural RES4Africa Southern Africa Executive School Pilot, held in Pretoria, South Africa, from 21 to 25 July 2025. This landmark event brought together over 35 participants from across the SADC region, including key representatives from Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa, which are countries under the Government of Italy’s Mattei Plan.
The capacity building programme was structured into two tailored tracks, each addressing critical aspects of the energy transition:
Electricity Regulation and Finance: Focused on the regulatory frameworks and financial mechanisms necessary to support renewable energy projects.
Renewable Energy Integration and Grid Management: Addressed the technical challenges of integrating renewable energy into existing grid systems.
While the tracks ran in parallel, the programme also included joint sessions and networking opportunities to foster peer-to-peer exchange and regional collaboration. Site visits further enriched the experience, providing participants with practical insights into renewable energy implementation.
The training offered fresh perspectives on the interconnected challenges facing Africa’s energy transition, emphasizing the vital importance of capacity building in overcoming these barriers. Participants gained valuable knowledge and skills, which will enable them to contribute more effectively to their respective countries’ renewable energy goals.
The training initiative was made possible through the support of key partners, including Enel Foundation, RES4Africa Foundation, the University of Pretoria, the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) of South Africa, and Africa GreenCo. Their collaboration underscores the collective commitment to advancing renewable energy in the region.
As a regional entity mandated to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions in the SADC region, SACREEE recognizes such training initiatives as pivotal for building technical, regulatory, and strategic capacity among its member states. SACREEE remains steadfast in its partnership with RES4Africa, working together to advance renewable energy and energy efficiency across the SADC region.
This Executive School Pilot marks a significant step forward in equipping Southern Africa with the necessary tools and knowledge needed to drive a sustainable energy future. SACREEE looks forward to continuing its collaboration with RES4Africa and other stakeholders to ensure the region’s energy transition is inclusive, resilient, and impactful.