Milan, 10^th December 2025 – RES4Africa Foundation proudly announces the successful conclusion of the RAISEAfrica Bootcamp and the Africa Youth & Innovation Event, held from 2nd to 4th December 2025 in Milan, Italy. These initiatives reaffirm the Foundation’s commitment to empowering young innovators across the African continent and accelerating the development of clean energy solutions.

Developed by RES4Africa Foundation with the support of Enel Green Power, the European Investment Bank, the EY Foundation, and with the collaboration of EDP Renewables, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and SAICA Enterprise Development, RAISEAfrica initiative is designed to support renewable energy–focused startups and help them scale impactful business models that advance universal energy access and climate resilience.

This year’s bootcamp welcomed a new cohort of eight outstanding entrepreneurs from across Africa:

• Chaltu Marta Ali (Kenya) – CTO of Innovahyper Technologies that develops renewable energy solutions and diversified e-waste recycling initiatives.
• Seka Jean Blaise (Cameroon) – Creator of WiseCool, a solar-powered cold storage unit supporting rural clinics.
• Aluwaine Tanaka Manyonga (Zimbabwe) – Inventor of the Chigubhu Lantern and founder of Zambezi Ark Technologies.
• Valentine Nnamani (Nigeria) – Founder of OneGrid Energies and creator of OnePlastic, a solar lantern made from recycled bottles.
• Benedict Owanga (Congo) – Founder of Owanga, delivering affordable electricity in the DRC through portable battery packs.
• Dafford Owino (Kenya) – Co-founder of Eco-Print Generation, recycling plastic into 3D printing filaments and STEM kits.
• Joyce Rugano (Kenya) – CEO of Ecorich Solutions and developer of Wastebot, converting organic waste into compost.
• Mathias Charles Yabe (Ghana) – Founder of AkoFresh, providing solar cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses.

Over the days, participants took part in an intensive programme including interactive workshops on brand identity, pitching, technology and business development; hands-on mentorship led by industry experts such as EY Italy, E4Impact, and RES4Africa specialists; and networking moments designed to connect young entrepreneurs with key investors and stakeholders shaping Africa’s energy transition.

The bootcamp concluded with the Africa Youth & Innovation Event, gathering representatives from the renewable energy ecosystem, investors, development partners and youth-led ventures. The event featured the official start-up pitching session, followed by the announcement of the Young Talent of the Year Award 2025, sponsored by Enel Green Power and the European Investment Bank.

The winners were Seka Jean Blaise from Cameroon (WiseCool), age 24, recognized for creating a solar-powered cold storage unit for rural clinics; Mathias Charles Yabe from Ghana (AkoFresh), age 25, celebrated for producing a solar cold storage solution to reduce post-harvest losses; and Joyce Rugano from Kenya (Ecorich Solutions), age 33, awarded for developing a tech system that converts organic waste into compost, supporting farmers and reducing urban pollution.

“RAISEAfrica demonstrates the extraordinary potential of Africa’s young innovators,” said Roberto Vigotti, Secretary General of RES4Africa Foundation. “Through tailored support and meaningful partnerships, we aim to amplify the work of a new generation of clean energy leaders who are already shaping sustainable development and strengthening the continent’s resilience to climate change.”

"We are proud to support RAISE Africa by engaging EY skilled volunteers to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. When organizations collaborate and share expertise, we create opportunities for innovation and sustainable progress. Together, we can help shape a brighter future." stated Tiziana dell'Orto, Secretary General, EY Foundation & Director of EY Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability.

The 2025 edition of RAISEAfrica reinforces RES4Africa Foundation’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and Africa’s sustainable energy future.