Events
Nov 2025

Transforming Energy Access in Africa: from Innovation to Scale

Duration & timing: Friday 14th November 16:15 – 17:15 BRT

Location: The Solar Hub Pavilion (C-79), Blue Zone, COP30, Belém

Abstract:

Since COP26 in Glasgow, energy access has emerged as a central theme at COP, catalysing collaboration across governments, civil society, and the private sector. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has played a pivotal role in this space – mobilising capital, convening stakeholders, and driving tangible action.

Innovation is a driver of progress on clean energy access and fundamental to increasing access to reliable, sustainable and affordable energy in Africa. From technologies to business models and financial mechanisms, the innovations in the energy access sector are wide-ranging and far-reaching. Yet further action is needed to scale clean energy innovations in Africa to deliver SDG7, reach universal energy access by 2030, and power sustainable and inclusive growth on the African continent.

The panel highlighted breakthrough innovations in Africa’s energy access landscape and explored the pathways to scale. It convened senior leaders from government, civil society, multilateral organisations, philanthropy, and development finance institutions for a dynamic and solutions-focused dialogue.

Agenda:

  • Opening Remarks and Introduction (10mins): Joe Mansour, Deputy Head, International Energy Unit, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
  • Panel Discussion (30 mins): Moderated by Sheila Oparaocha, Director of the ENERGIA International Network on Gender and Sustainable Energy
  • Closing Remarks (5mins): Delivered by a senior representative from the International Solar Alliance
  • Note: Speaking time is limited to 45 minutes to accommodate technical setup

Panellists:

  1. Tombo Banda, Managing Director, CrossBoundary Advisory
  2. Olamide Niyi-Afuye, CEO, Africa Minigrid Developers Association
  3. Lanre Shasore, Senior Adviser, Energy Transition Planning Sustainable Energy for All
  4. Marco Serena, Chief Sustainable Impact Officer, Private Infrastructure Development Group

Organiser: This event was organised by the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform, a research and innovation platform that has supported over 29 million people gain access improved clean energy, and leveraged over £1.6billion in additional funding for clean energy research, innovation and scale up.