Workshop: Rethinking Africa’s Rural Electrification Challenge

With 760 million people still lacking electricity—most of them in Sub-Saharan Africa—the promise of public-private renewable energy has long been hailed as a key pathway toward universal energy access. Over the past 11 years, we have witnessed a growing emphasis on innovative financial models, digitalization, and public-private sector engagement. These efforts reflect a deep optimism, a belief in progress driven by collaboration and technological advancement. Yet, despite these strides, the increase in electricity access has been modest—rising only by 13.5% over the same period.

The goal of 100%  universal energy access, as envisioned in Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG-7), will not be achieved by 2030. This raises important questions: 

• How can transdisciplinary projects from universities contribute not only by producing research but by translating knowledge into action on the ground?
• What can we learn from both successful and unsuccessful energy access pathways?

Format

This session will feature an engaging panel discussion with representatives from academia, the private sector, development organizations, and NGOs, followed by an interactive working session in the format of World Café to re-imagine energy access together. 
 

Speakers: