Africa’s sustainable energy transition and access to reliable electricity were at the centre of RES4Africa Foundation’s side events during KEY – The Energy Transition Expo 2026 organised by IEG (Italian Exhibition Group), held on 5–6 March in Rimini, Italy.

The two high-level conferences convened African and European policymakers, industry leaders, investors, utilities and development partners to explore technological and financial solutions to accelerate Africa’s energy transition.

The first session, Solar PV/Wind power and Battery Storage Systems: the key to energy self-sufficiency – Driving Africa’s Energy Transition, highlighted the growing role of solar PV, wind power and battery storage systems in expanding electricity access, strengthening grid resilience, and reducing reliance on diesel generation. The session began with a welcome speech by Roberto Vigotti (RES4Africa, Secretary General), followed by opening remarks from Faycel Tarifa (STEG Tunisia, President and CEO) and Mario Sisinni, (TERNA, Head of International Relations). The panel discussion, moderated by Paolo Cutrone (RES4Africa, Head of Mediterranean Activities), featured Stéphane Célarier (Nidec ASI S.A.S., General Director), Ali Kanzari (Solar Energy Systems, CEO), David Martinez Ortega (ABB, Regional Sales Manager Europe, Motion High Power Division), Simone Pasquini (CESI, Area Manager Africa), Michele Vadora (Zhero Group, Managing Director), Abdellilah Rochd (IRESEN / Green Energy Park Morocco, Head of Smart Grids), and Natalia Kiselnikova (RES4Africa / BIG LEAP EU project on second-life batteries, Head of Horizon Projects). Discussions emphasised context-specific solutions, market trends, regulatory developments, and the integration of storage systems within Africa’s renewable energy value chain.

The second session, Multiple financing instruments need to be scaled up to accelerate Africa’s energy future and to improve energy access, focused on mobilising capital and scaling innovative financing instruments to support clean energy deployment across Africa. The session opened with remarks from Roberto Vigotti (RES4Africa, Secretary General) and institutional interventions by Nani Juwara (Ministry for Energy, Republic of Gambia). The panel, moderated by Luca Traini (RES4Africa, Chief Operating Officer), included Guilherme Rico Perez (IFC -Business Development Lead for Southern Europe), Riccardo Siliprandi (AFRY Management Consulting Italy, Senior Principal), Kenny Leroy (RINA, Vice-President of Commercial Management for the Mediterranean & Africa region), Diaby Bassaran (APERCI Ivory Coast, General Director), Carlo Tacconelli (Engreen, CEO), and Rethabile Melamu (CEO South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA). Discussions explored blended finance, de-risking mechanisms, and public-private cooperation to unlock investment at scale and ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the continent.

These events provided a strategic platform to foster dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and support coordinated action across the continent. They reaffirmed RES4Africa Foundation’s commitment to advancing sustainable electrification, energy access, and resilient energy systems in Africa.