21 young professionals and aspiring renewable energy practitioners from Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Tanzania, participated in the 37th edition of RES4Africa Academy’s Technical and Vocational School (formerly MGA)on Micro-Grid Academy: Module #1 – Decentralized Energy Systems (DRE). The training, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from April 7th to 11th, 2025, was supported by Enel Foundation, a key knowledge partner.

Hosted at Strathmore University and implemented in collaboration with Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC), the program provided participants with an immersive, hands-on learning experience. Module 1 covered the fundamentals of decentralized energy systems, with a curriculum focusing on solar energy radiation, DRE design, load profiling, community energy needs assessments, and entrepreneurial skill development.

The training was enriched with practical, hands-on activities. In addition to classroom instruction, participants engaged in laboratory exercises at Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC) and joined a field visit to the UN Office at Nairobi (UNON), where they could directly apply their knowledge to real-world decentralized energy systems. A highlight of the training was the installation of a small-scale solar energy system at North Highridge Primary School, a community school that welcomes children from Deep Sea slum, in collaboration with Technical Solidarity Onlus and Raynow Energy. This approach allowed them to gain invaluable practical experience, deepening their understanding of decentralized energy solutions.

This edition was dedicated to strengthening both technical and entrepreneurial capacities across Africa, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and empowerment. It encouraged the active participation of youth and women, facilitated peer learning in a multicultural environment, and featured interactive lectures and expert-led sessions that equipped participants with both theoretical insights and practical skills.

The success of this edition was made possible through the collaboration of key partners and their shared commitment to nurturing a new generation of energy leaders ready to drive sustainable development across Africa. Sapienza University of Rome also contributed by sponsoring 4 participants, strengthening its commitment to capacity-building in the region.