Nairobi, September 24, 2025 – The vibrant city of Nairobi hosted the final event and awarding ceremony of the wAtt-boost – Youth Powered Start-Up in Africa program, marking the culmination of an inspiring journey of learning, innovation, and collaboration.

Launched earlier this year by Enel Foundation in partnership with RES4Africa Foundation, Strathmore University, and with contributions from IRENA, the wAtt-boost initiative set out to empower young African entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to drive sustainable energy solutions across the continent. This project has been made possible thanks to the strong support of the Italian Government under the strategic umbrella of the Mattei Plan for Africa: the Mattei Plan, with its focus on mutually beneficial partnerships, sustainable energy, education, and the empowerment of African youth, provides a powerful and coherent framework that complements and reinforces wAtt-boost’s mission: empowering sustainable progress in Africa.

Through intensive training, mentorship, and capacity building, the program reached its exciting conclusion with the selection of two outstanding finalists, whose projects stood out for their innovative spirit, relevance to local communities, and potential to inspire broader change.

“Today we celebrate not just two winners, but an entire generation of changemakers,” said Giulia Genuardi, Managing Director of Enel Foundation, during the ceremony. “Being here in Nairobi, physically present among such passionate and driven individuals, has been a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. These young innovators are not just imagining a better energy future—they are building it.”

The finalists were selected by a distinguished jury composed of representatives from RES4Africa Foundation, Enel Foundation, and Strathmore University.

“This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions, foundations, and young people come together with a common purpose,” said Roberto Vigotti, Secretary General of RES4Africa Foundation. “We are proud to have supported such a transformative experience.”

“The wAtt-boost program has demonstrated the power of education and innovation in shaping Africa’s energy future,” added Prof. Izael Pereira da Silva, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Strathmore University.  “It has been an honour to contribute to this journey and witness the incredible talent and commitment of the participants.”

“Empowering youth-led innovation is essential to achieving a just and inclusive energy transition,” said Riccardo Toxiri, Advisor to the Director-General of IRENA.  “We are proud to contribute to initiatives like wAtt-boost that align with our mission to accelerate renewable energy development and build local capacity across Africa.”

The event also served as a moment to reflect on the broader impact of the wAtt-boost journey. Over the past months, participants engaged in a dynamic curriculum that combined technical training, entrepreneurial development, and peer-to-peer exchange. The program fostered a strong sense of community among participants from across Africa, united by a shared commitment to clean energy and inclusive growth.

Enel Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to all partners, trainers, and especially the jury members, whose dedication and insight were instrumental throughout the process—and particularly in identifying and celebrating the two finalists who will now carry the wAtt-boost legacy forward.

As the curtain falls on this first edition, the message is clear: Africa’s energy future is in capable, creative, and committed hands.

Asante sana to everyone who made this journey possible. Let’s continue to empower youth, scale innovation, and build a just, sustainable energy transition— together.