The Regional Renewable Energy for Cities Workshop, held from October 23-25, 2024, in Tunis, Tunisia, was organized by Connective Cities, RoAid, the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM), and the City Climate Finance Gap Fund (Gap Fund). The event was part of the Renforcement de la Gouvernance Locale et Modernisation des Service Locaux (REMO) project by GIZ Tunisia due to its close collaboration with Tunisian municipalities, key partners in the project, as well as its partnership with the Ministry of the Interior.
The regional conference aimed to strengthen renewable energy initiatives in urban areas, provide technical expertise, and promote peer-to-peer learning among cities in North and West Africa.
Tunisian cities participating in the workshop demonstrate a strong commitment to improving citizens' quality of life, enhancing safety, and reducing energy costs through investments in green energy solutions. Their priorities include public lighting using photovoltaic panels and sustainable energy operations for public buildings (e.g., health, education, recreation).
The goal of these cities, regardless of their size or character, is to become more attractive for residents, investors, and tourists by fostering sustainable development and creating a healthy environment.
Tunisian cities face several challenges in their transition to green energy systems. Key obstacles include:
Despite these hurdles, opportunities exist for cities to access support through initiatives like The Gap Fund, which provides assistance for feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and securing international financing. International development banks prioritize projects that emphasize environmental health, community well-being, and the adoption of green technologies, adding significant value to local populations.
With immense solar potential and a favorable modernization context, Tunisian cities must focus on collaboration with other municipalities or regions to secure larger-scale funding. Leveraging the expertise of institutions such as GIZ, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and other development banks is essential. Additionally, adopting proven, cost-effective solutions from successful global projects can help tailor efforts to their specific needs. By aligning their initiatives with international standards, Tunisian cities can accelerate their transition to sustainable green energy systems and ensure a healthier, more attractive environment for citizens, investors, and tourists alike.
The workshop began with a welcome address by Madame Samira Abidi, President of the Instance Générale de Prospective et d’Appui à la Décentralisation, Ministry of Interior, Tunisia. She emphasized the importance of supporting cities in their renewable energy efforts, highlighting that the Ministry has available funds to support projects. Madame Abidi stressed the need for combined funding opportunities to maximize impact and welcomed all participants to collaborate towards sustainable solutions.
Jelena Karamatijević (Connective Cities) introduced the objectives of the workshop, stressing the organization’s commitment to peer learning and knowledge exchange among cities. She also introduced Connective Cities as a global network facilitating collaboration and capacity-building to tackle sustainability challenges through urban innovation and energy efficiency projects.
The technical sessions began with a presentation by RoAid, focusing on the experiences of Romanian cities and how they have overcome challenges similar to those faced by cities in Tunisia and other African countries. Romanian experts discussed specific examples of solar energy integration, smart grid technologies, and energy-efficient infrastructure. These insights were particularly relevant, as Romania’s urban energy projects closely align with those of the participating cities. Romanian cities demonstrated innovative urban solutions in solar street lighting, community-driven energy models, and energy-efficient public infrastructure.
Experts from Augsburg and Gersthofen, Germany, presented their successful smart city projects, with a particular focus on integrating renewable energy and energy-efficient infrastructure.
The Gap Fund presented its financing program, explaining how cities can apply for funding by meeting certain eligibility criteria. They emphasized that preparatory measures such as feasibility studies and project development could be financed to bring projects to financial maturity, making it easier for cities to attract long-term investment.
An important announcement was made by AFD, which highlighted the call for proposals opening in December 2024. Cities were encouraged to apply, and at least one city from the Connective Cities network would be supported in its application to AFD’s fund. This was a great opportunity for cities to gain access to financial resources and expertise for their renewable energy and sustainability projects. AFD's support will be instrumental in helping cities move forward with their urban energy transition plans.
In addition, UNCDF introduced its new project, aimed at further enhancing city cooperation in renewable energy and sustainable development. The project, currently in its initial stages, will be a stepping stone for deeper collaboration between cities across Tunisia. Funded by the European Commission, this project will provide technical assistance and capacity building, with a focus on financing energy efficiency projects and renewable energy integration in urban areas. The launch of this program marks another exciting new opportunity for city-to-city collaboration and will help participating cities to develop and finance their renewable energy projects with EU funding mechanisms and global expertise.
The day’s key event was the panel discussion, moderated by Melissa Kerim (GCoM), where experts from various financial institutions and development banks came together to discuss the financing of renewable energy projects. The panel included representatives from the European Investment Bank (EIB), AFD, KfW, and the World Bank. The discussion focused on how cities can access financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, with emphasis on project readiness, preparatory measures, and the importance of collaboration between cities and funding institutions. Panelists stressed that aligning projects with international standards is crucial for securing funding and emphasized the importance of financial partnerships for successful project implementation.
The day concluded with city project presentations from Dakar, Béja, Siliana, and other cities. These cities presented their renewable energy projects and urban sustainability initiatives, seeking expert feedback on how to improve their project feasibility, financial models, and environmental impact. Experts provided tailored guidance on energy-efficient technologies, solar solutions, and how to make their projects more attractive to investors and funding agencies.
Day 2 was dedicated to peer-to-peer learning, where cities exchanged good practices and technical expertise. Experts led interactive sessions on solar energy, smart grid technologies, and energy-efficient urban infrastructure, offering collegial advice to cities on how to overcome technical challenges. Cities shared experiences of integrating solar street lighting, smart meters, and solar-powered buildings into their urban fabric, with a particular focus on the initial steps of setting up such projects while keeping the funding opportunities presented in mind.
The new city members of the working group also had the opportunity to present their renewable energy projects and engage in interactive discussions on technical solutions and funding strategies. Experts provided insights on how to make these projects financially viable and technically sound, ensuring they align with both local needs and international standards..
The final day included a site visit to a photovoltaic installation at the municipal swimming pool in Bardo, where participants saw firsthand how solar energy has been integrated into municipal infrastructure. This practical example demonstrated how renewable energy can help cities reduce their carbon footprint while making public services more energy-efficient.
The event concluded with closing remarks, where participants discussed the next steps in finalizing their project proposals and preparing for funding applications. Key points from the discussions included the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and innovation in the development of future urban energy projects.
The workshop successfully fostered collaborative learning, provided technical expertise, and enhanced municipal representatives' capabilities to develop scalable renewable energy projects. With the launch of the UNCDF project, the Gap Fund, and AFD’s financial support, cities now have concrete opportunities to move forward with their urban energy transition initiatives. The event laid the groundwork for long-term city-to-city cooperation, providing a pathway for innovative energy solutions and sustainable urban development across the region. At least one project will be proposed for funding by the African Development Bank, and one city has already submitted its application for support from the Cities Finance Climate Gap Fund.
Looking ahead, we will continue the cooperation within Tunisia in the coming year, with more proposals to be developed and handed over to financing institutions for further support and implementation.
Contact and requests: Jelena Karamatijevic jelena(at)karamatijevic(at)giz.de