Africa’s pathway towards sustainable socio-economic development and universal energy access will take centre stage at the upcoming RES4Africa Foundation side events during KEY – The Energy Transition Expo, on March 5th–6th, 2026, in Rimini, Italy.

Hosted by RES4Africa Foundation, the two high-level conferences will focus on the integration of renewable energy technologies and the scaling-up of financing instruments as key enablers to accelerate Africa’s energy transition and strengthen long-term energy security.

Africa stands at a pivotal juncture. Expanding access to reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity remains fundamental to fostering industrialisation, economic growth and social development. As energy demand continues to rise, the continent’s development trajectory is increasingly linked to its ability to deploy innovative technological solutions and mobilise adequate financial resources.

The first event, titled Solar PV/Wind power and Battery Storage Systems: the key to energy self-sufficiency – Driving Africa’s Energy Transition, will be held on March 5th, 2026 (16:00–17:30).

The integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy generation, the so-called non-dispatchable renewable energy sources, together with battery storage systems holds significant promise for driving Africa’s economic growth. These advanced technologies provide dependable, sustainable and increasingly affordable power solutions that can be tailored to site-specific needs across territories and industries.

Across the continent, solar PV, wind power and battery storage systems are playing a growing role in expanding electricity access, strengthening grid stability and reducing reliance on diesel-based generation. Supported by declining technology costs and evolving policy frameworks, these integrated systems are increasingly central to resilient and cost-effective energy infrastructures.

The discussion will address advancements in storage manufacturing, regulatory developments, market trends and the integration of battery energy storage systems within the renewable value chain in Africa.

The second event, titled Multiple financing instruments need to be scaled up to accelerate Africa’s energy future and to improve energy access, will be held on March 6th, 2026 (10:30–12:00).

Recent global crises have made it increasingly challenging for many African countries to mobilise financing for clean energy investments, despite the continent’s vast potential and growing demand. While Africa represents around 20% of the global population, it attracts less than 2% of worldwide clean energy investment.

Managing the transition to a low-carbon economy requires systemic thinking that embraces the entire electricity system, from large-scale renewable projects and distributed generation to transmission infrastructure and value chains.

Despite favourable underlying economics and abundant renewable resources, multiple barriers continue to limit the development of bankable projects at scale. Scaling up and replicating innovative financing instruments will require coordinated action among governments, development finance institutions, donors and private investors.

The panel will explore how blended finance, de-risking mechanisms and public-private cooperation can mobilise capital and ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity for all.

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