RES4Africa Foundation and NEST Foundation – Network for Energy Sustainable Transition have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create new opportunities for joint projects, innovation, knowledge exchange and skills development across the European and African sustainable energy ecosystems. Building on their shared commitment to sustainable energy development, through the MoU, the two organisations will explore opportunities for collaboration across three main areas: joint projects and funding opportunities, knowledge exchange, network development, and capacity building.

The collaboration brings together RES4Africa’s knowledge of African energy markets, advocacy activities and capacity-building experience with NEST’s strong links to research, innovation and technology, creating a platform to connect expertise with concrete opportunities. By combining these complementary strengths, the two organisations aim to support the development of new initiatives, unlock new funding opportunities and strengthen connections among companies, institutions, researchers, experts and other stakeholders working to advance the energy transition in Africa and Europe.

In particular, RES4Africa and NEST will explore opportunities to develop joint projects under national, European and international funding programmes, including Horizon Europe. The partnership will also promote outreach, knowledge exchange and the sharing of operational practices across their respective networks, helping turn expertise and innovation into scalable solutions for sustainable energy development.

The collaboration may also include jointly designed training and professional development programmes, exchanges among experts, researchers and trainers, and the development of digital learning pathways focused on energy-transition technologies and policies related to the energy transition to equip professionals with skills tailored to the needs of the future.

The agreement was signed by Roberto Vigotti, Secretary General of RES4Africa Foundation, and Gabriella Scapicchio, General Manager of NEST Foundation.

“Accelerating Africa’s energy transition requires strong partnerships that can connect knowledge, innovation and skills across continents,” commented Roberto Vigotti, Secretary General of RES4Africa Foundation. “Through this agreement with NEST Foundation, we aim to strengthen the bridge between Italy and Africa, combining our networks and expertise to develop new projects, foster knowledge exchange and build the capacities needed to support a sustainable and inclusive energy transition.”

“For NEST Foundation, this partnership is about turning research and innovation into concrete opportunities for collaboration. By connecting our scientific and industrial ecosystem with RES4Africa’s deep knowledge of African energy markets and networks, we can develop joint projects, create new opportunities for researchers and companies, and turn complementary expertise into projects with tangible impact,” stated Gabriella Scapicchio, General Manager at NEST Foundation.