AFREC Launches Continental Training to Build Africa’s Renewable Energy Project Capacity

The African Energy Commission (AFREC) has kicked off a landmark continental training on renewable energy in Nairobi, designed to help African Union (AU) Member States translate renewable energy plans into financeable and implementable projects, while promoting peer-to-peer knowledge exchange across the continent.

The inaugural session brought together 45 energy officials from across Africa for an intensive, week-long programme focused on renewable energy project planning, development, and financing. The training is part of AFREC’s Comprehensive Capacity Building Programme, aimed at strengthening human and institutional capacity in the continent’s energy sector.

Supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and delivered in collaboration with the Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC), the initiative provides participants with hands-on experience in the full project lifecycle—from resource assessment and technology selection to policy, regulation, financing, and operations. The programme also includes a field visit to Kenya’s KENGEN Olkaria Geothermal Power Plant, one of Africa’s largest geothermal developments, to contextualize lessons learned.

Opening the session, AFREC Executive Director Rashid Ali Abdallah emphasized the importance of translating policy ambitions into tangible projects. “We are accelerating the path from policy to pipelines and from pipelines to megawatts. This training equips practitioners with tools, peer networks, and practical experience to transform ideas into bankable and operational projects,” he said.

Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum underscored the strategic significance of the initiative. Dan Marangu, Director of Renewable Energy, noted, “Building the skills to pursue energy sovereignty is essential for Africa’s development. Kenya is committed to working with AFREC and the AU to advance the continent’s transition to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.”

Representatives from Sweden highlighted the value of intra-African collaboration. Ulrika Åkesson, Counsellor at the Embassy of Sweden in Kenya, stated, “Each participating country brings unique experiences. Sharing these lessons ensures that solutions developed in one nation can inspire and guide progress in others.”

Strathmore University reinforced the importance of local capacity, with Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Izael Da Silva noting that over 5,000 renewable energy professionals trained by SERC are already driving Africa’s energy transition.

The Nairobi session marks the first in a series, with a second cohort scheduled for Cairo, Egypt, from 15 to 19 December. AFREC plans to expand the programme further in 2026, including through online courses via its e-learning platform, to ensure broader access and sustained cross-border skills sharing.