EMERGE Project | Latest Updates

The EMERGE project continues to advance its mission of fostering clean energy cooperation between Africa and Europe through a series of high-level exchanges and study visits. Over the past months, partners have convened across the two continents to share knowledge, test innovative tools, and explore policy pathways that support sustainable and inclusive energy systems.

The most recent highlight took place in Zagreb, Croatia, where the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (UNIZAG FSB) hosted the 3rd EMERGE AU–EU Knowledge Exchange from 23–25 September 2025. For three days, POWERLAB became a hub for collaboration, bringing together African and European energy experts and researchers to explore practical solutions for the energy transition. Participants engaged in hands-on training with UNIZAG’s GREENADVISE tool, a planning instrument designed to support local and regional authorities. They also learned from Prof. Goran Krajačić about Croatia’s renewable energy strategy, and from innovators such as KOER d.o.o., who introduced the country’s first Virtual Power Plant.

Earlier in September, EMERGE contributed to the 10th ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF 2025), hosted in Banjul, Gambia by project partner ECREEE. Project Coordinator Nikola Matak presented EMERGE during a pre-event session on Climate-Resilient Cooling, Climate Change, and Gender, underscoring the project’s role in advancing cooperation, energy system modelling tools, and EU–AU partnerships. This year’s forum was particularly significant, marking ECREEE’s 15th anniversary and ECOWAS’ 50th milestone under the theme “Accelerating Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Solutions for Growth in the ECOWAS Region.”

Earlier in the summer, EMERGE organised its first AU–AU Study Visit in Abuja, Nigeria (9–10 July 2025), hosted by AfriLabs. Policymakers, experts, and innovators from Nigeria, Mali, Morocco, and Mozambique gathered to discuss African-led solutions to urgent energy challenges. The programme included site visits to flagship projects such as the 3MW Solar Hybrid Power Plant at the University of Abuja and Nigeria’s electric vehicle manufacturer EMVC, along with in-depth exchanges with NASENI, REA, and SEforALL.

Together, these activities highlight EMERGE’s role in creating spaces where African and European partners can learn from each other, co-design solutions, and build energy strategies that are both technologically sound and socially inclusive.

Looking ahead, EMERGE partners will meet for the 2nd Co-design Workshop, organized alongside the ONEPLANET Project Final Event, and the 3rd General Assembly, which will take place in Cabo Verde on 16–17 October 2025. At the same time, Newsletter #4 will share further updates and insights as EMERGE continues to build momentum.

Contact:

Project Coordinator: Nicola Matak, UNIZAG FSB, HR, E-mail: nikola.matak@fsb.unizg.hr
ESEIA Project Manager: Zina Mejbri, AT, E-mail: zina.mejbri@eseia.eu