Connective Cities in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the German Association of Cities (Deutscher Städtetag), and Engagement Global with its Service Agency Communities in One World (SKEW) is organizing a conference on “Renewable Energy for Local Economic Development”. This 3-day event will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 3 to 5 October 2023.

The conference aims to explore the potential of renewable energy on the African continent. Through dialogue and knowledge exchange, participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts from other regions and European cities, enhancing their policymaking and planning efforts. The event will also highlight financing options for renewable energy projects at various stages of planning.

Thematic Focus of the Event

By participating in this conference, municipalities can position themselves at the forefront of the energy transition and contribute to shaping a sustainable and resilient future for their communities. The conference will focus on key topics such as advancing decentralized energy provisions, forging city-led green hydrogen initiatives, strategizing for decentralized energy systems, and creating bankable renewable energy projects, and while raising public awareness.

Objectives and Methodology

The conference structure includes plenary sessions, peer exchange, and working groups, enabling participants to engage in in-depth conversations, collaborative problem-solving, and project planning. By forming working groups, municipalities can continue their efforts beyond the conference, developing strategies, solutions, and project proposals over a period of 6-9 months.

Participation

Prospective participants from interested countries in Germany/Europe and the Sub-Saharan and North African region are invited to register for the conference. Municipal representatives, along with experts from relevant departments and partner organizations, are encouraged to participate.

To apply for participation in the conference, please send us the completed Expression of Interest per e-mail. We encourage the participation of up to two participants from each city/municipality.

Contacts and Timeline

If you are interested in participating or may have questions concerning the process, please write to us. You can find more information in the call for participation [pdf].

Deadline for application is the 31 August 2023.

To register or for more information, please contact:

Moses Munuve, moses.munuve(at)giz.de for Sub-Saharan Africa

Helen Kramer, helen.kramer(at)giz.de for Sub-Saharan Africa

Muna Shalan, muna.shalan(at)giz.de for North Africa

Thiago Garcia, thiago.garcia(at)engagement-global.de for Germany