Today in Rome, Eni and Luiss Guido Carli University are kicking off the inaugural conference of the International Network on African Energy Transition (INAET). The event brings together leading institutions, universities, think tanks, and scholars from Africa, Europe, and around the world to create a common hub for the continent’s transition.

In Africa, home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, the energy transition presents a tremendous opportunity for the continent. INAET aims to harness this potential by exploring new avenues of collaboration among key stakeholders.

The conference, which takes place today and tomorrow, features participation from universities, research centers, and high-level institutions from Algeria, the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa. The goal is to foster collaboration with the universities and institutions—both European and international—taking part in the event. These include 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 key entities.

By combining the leading academic expertise of Luiss University with Eni’s know-how in the energy sector and the company’s established presence in Africa, the event plans to address five main priorities: climate change mitigation and adaptation measures; Africa’s development pathways and the resources needed; the perspectives of younger generations on the energy transition; Africa’s priorities in the energy transition; and international stakeholders and the role of the private sector in Africa’s energy transition.

Eni has been present in Africa since the 1950s and currently operates in 14 countries across the continent. The company is committed to improving access to energy in Africa through a broad portfolio of projects, ranging from traditional to renewable energy production, as well as other innovative initiatives. Eni is providing energy-efficient stoves (in Mozambique, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, and Kenya, among others); integrating African countries into the biofuel value chain (in Kenya, Mozambique, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, and Rwanda, among others); investing in the creation of new energy research centers (Oyo in Congo and Solar Lab in Algeria, among others); powering water wells with photovoltaics in collaboration with leading international agencies (e.g., Nigeria); and investing in educational programs focused on the energy sector and the upskilling of professionals (in Egypt, Mozambique, and Côte d'Ivoire, among others).

Luiss University, currently ranked 14th for Political and International Studies in the prestigious QS Ranking by Subject 2023, is actively contributing to the education of Africa's future leadership. Through the Sub-Saharan Africa Project, funded by Eni, Luiss offers scholarships to students from Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Rwanda, and Burundi. These students are poised to become the new global leaders and address the geopolitical, economic, and environmental challenges their continent will face in the coming years.