International cooperation: Powering Africa’s energy future together

A sustainable energy future for Africa cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires inclusive, long-term international cooperation grounded in mutual accountability, shared goals, and strong local partnerships. This approach is not just a moral imperative; it is a practical necessity. Africa faces the unique challenge of addressing energy access, security, and sustainability simultaneously. This underscores the need for effective collaboration between local and global actors to ensure the energy transition leaves no one behind.

The global shift toward cleaner energy is intrinsically linked to Africa’s development, and international cooperation plays a pivotal role in accelerating this transition. Despite progress, energy poverty remains one of the continent’s greatest barriers—millions still lack access to reliable and affordable electricity. 

Official Development Assistance (ODA) remains one of the clearest indicators of the international community’s commitment to global cooperation. As a measure of financial solidarity, it reflects both the scale and direction of support to developing countries, particularly in critical sectors like energy, health, and education. However, current trends point to both opportunities and growing risks: in 2023, aid to developing countries fell for the third year in a row, dropping to $160 billion—well below the 2020 peak of $175 billion. While ODA remains essential, the disparity between promises and delivery is stark: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC) countries allocated just 0.37% of their gross national income, far from the 0.7% target outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.

Africa has been particularly affected. ODA to the continent fell by nearly 7% in 2023, reaching $74 billion. This decline is alarming given Africa’s growing needs and exposure to compounded crises. In this context, strengthening international cooperation and mobilising more resources to support local capacities and long-term resilience is more urgent than ever. Although only 2% of global energy investments are directed to Africa—and just a small share of international ODA supports the energy sector—the continent remains a focal point of global efforts. In 2023, global ODA reached a nominal record of $288 billion, despite a 1% drop in real terms. Even in this context, energy-related initiatives remain central to these flows, underscoring the need for continued capacity building, technical assistance, and institutional dialogue to support Africa’s energy transition.

This mission is framed by global agendas such as the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. SDG 7 calls for affordable, reliable, and modern energy access for all, while SDG 17 emphasizes the importance of revitalised global partnerships. These, alongside the Paris Agreement, the yearly United Nations Climate Change Conference, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, underscore the vital role of international cooperation in climate and development strategies.

National-level initiatives also reflect this shared responsibility. Italy’s Piano Mattei for Africa, launched in January 2024, seeks to strengthen ties with Africa through diplomacy, development cooperation, and investment. The plan targets pilot countries—including Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Angola, Ghana, Mauritania, Tanzania, Senegal and Kenya—with actions in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. RES4Africa actively contributes to these efforts through technical assistance, capacity-building programmes, and stakeholder dialogue, ensuring that benefits are shared and inclusive.

For over a decade, RES4Africa Foundation has worked alongside African institutions, civil society, and private sector actors to build partnerships based on trust and shared ownership. Our international cooperation activities—spanning technical assistance, capacity building, and policy dialogue—respond directly to the needs and priorities of our African partners.

A significant milestone in our journey has been our inclusion in the Register of non-profit entities recognised by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). This listing reflects our commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and impactful action. In accordance with AICS’s principles, we are proud to design projects that prioritize local ownership and sustainability, reinforcing alliances among public institutions, civil society, and the private sector.

Our International Cooperation Initiatives span numerous countries and programmes. Flagship programmes such as the Micro-Grid Academy have trained over 2,000 young professionals across 49 African countries since 2018, while the Executive School provides top-tier training for African energy leaders. Regional initiatives like Grids4Africa strengthen infrastructure and resilience, and in collaboration with UNECA and GSE, we also promote electricity market reforms that create enabling environments for innovation and investment. We are also committed to nurturing future leadership through the Young Talents of the Year Award, developed with Enel Green Power and the European Investment Bank. This initiative supports youth-led projects, fosters entrepreneurship, and contributes to building a skilled, empowered generation for Africa’s energy future. From responding to urgent challenges—such as our Renew-ABLE initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic—to investing in long-term skills and partnerships, our mission remains constant: to support African-led solutions that are sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in strong international cooperation.

As Africa continues its path toward a sustainable energy future, international cooperation must remain at the heart of every effort. By working together—across countries, sectors, and communities—we can deliver lasting, transformative change. RES4Africa remains committed to this mission: advancing Africa’s energy transition through collaborative, localised solutions that empower communities and ensure that no one is left behind.

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