On the occasion of the third day of Ecomondo 2024, the Forum for Green Growth in Africa highlighted ambitious initiatives aimed at positioning Africa as a key player in the global ecological transition. This event is part of the Mattei Plan for sustainable development and showcases two flagship projects: the Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy Training in Morocco and the development of a biofuels sector in Kenya.
Morocco, a model of energy training for Africa
During this forum, Morocco was praised for its commitment to sustainable development, with the announcement of a Centre of Excellence dedicated to training in renewable energies and energy efficiency. This platform aims to train African experts, administrators, and technicians, thereby strengthening the local skills necessary for the energy transition on the continent. This initiative reinforces Morocco’s position as a regional leader in the renewable energy sector.
Biofuels in Kenya: a new path for rural communities
In Kenya, the Mattei Plan supports an innovative biofuels project currently involving over 100,000 smallholder farmers across 16 counties. This project, with the ambition to reach 200,000 participants in the coming years, relies on non-food crops producing vegetable oil, cultivated on marginal lands. It thus provides a sustainable source of income for rural communities while preserving essential agricultural land for food.
Towards a future of sustainable cooperation
Renowned partners, including Italian companies Enel and Eni as well as the RES4Africa foundation, are supporting these initiatives. The Forum for Green Growth in Africa also explored collaboration opportunities in the circular economy by analyzing practical cases in textiles, electronic waste management, packaging, and bioenergy.
This commitment from Ecomondo 2024 reflects the desire to strengthen partnerships between Europe and Africa, creating synergies for inclusive and environmentally respectful development across the African continent.