Nairobi, 21st October 2024 – The Forum on Fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the Electricity Sector, organized by RES4Africa Foundation, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE), concluded today at the Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands. Supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Enel Foundation, the Forum brought together industry leaders, investors, and international organizations to discuss strategies for expanding private sector participation in Kenya’s clean energy infrastructure development.

The forum featured keynote addresses and panel discussions focused on critical topics such as auctions for renewable energy projects, battery storage systems, grid infrastructure investments, and decentralized energy solutions. Speakers included representatives from Grupo Mercados Energéticos Consultores, Enel Green Power, the Electricity Sector Association of Kenya, SOWITEC, the International Finance Corporation, the World Bank, Equity Group Foundation, AVSI, Feion Green Ventures, Save the Children Global Ventures, GIZ, and Schneider Electric East Africa.

This forum was held within the broader framework of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) Investment Forum, which took place from 14th to 16th October 2024. The APRA Forum brought together experts and leaders to discuss Africa’s energy transition, focusing on expanding access to clean energy, unlocking private investment, and addressing energy infrastructure challenges across the continent. The forum’s outcomes are expected to play a significant role in advancing Africa’s clean energy goals, promoting socio-economic development, and enhancing resilience to climate change.

Following the Forum, a two-day Training on Transitioning to Auction Policy was conducted on the 17th and 18th of October 2024. The training provided capacity building on auction-based procurement mechanisms, a critical step in advancing Kenya’s electricity market reforms. The sessions highlighted Kenya’s ongoing efforts to transition from feed-in tariffs to competitive auctions, with a focus on transparency, cost-efficiency, and enhanced private sector involvement in the renewable energy sector. Experts from GME, Enel Green Power and GSE shared insights on the fundamentals of auctions, global best practices, storage-specific auction considerations, and how to adapt international lessons to the Kenyan context.

The organizers, RES4Africa Foundation, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE), expressed their gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the dialogue on fostering public-private partnerships for Africa’s clean energy transition.