Global energy giants, Eni, and the Italian Luiss University in Rome on Thursday launched the International Network on African Energy Transition (INAET).
In a statement, Eni noted that, “With Africa being home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies, the energy transition offers huge opportunities for the continent; and INAET’s ambition is to untap its potential, exploring new paths for collaboration among the key actors at stake.”
It further stated that the launch, which kickstarted the 2-day inaugural conference in Rome, brought together major institutions, universities, think-tanks and scholars from Africa, Europe and worldwide to set up a common hub on the continent’s transition.
“Matching the leading academic experience of Luiss University with Eni’s know-how on the energy sector and its wide and deeply rooted presence in Africa, the event plans to address five top priorities:
“Mitigation and adaptation measures for climate change; Africa’s development paths and the resources needed; younger generation’s outlook on the energy transition; African priorities in the energy transition; international players and private sector role in the African energy transition,” the statement added.
Universities, research centres and institutions from Algeria, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa, will participate in the inaugural conference in Rome.
According to Eni, the participating institutions “will create synergies with European and international universities and institutions, such as the European University Institute, the International Monetary Fund, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Atlantic Council, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, and other relevant stakeholders.”
Eni, which has been operating in Africa since the 1950s, and currently operates in 14 countries in the continent, further emphasised its commitment “to improve energy access in Africa through a wide portfolio of projects, ranging from traditional to renewable energy production and innovative initiatives.”
