The gathering was the perfect occasion to discuss the urgent need to scale up both technical-vocational and managerial training programmes to keep pace with the rapid changes in the energy landscape. As Africa progresses toward a more sustainable and electrified future, there is a growing consensus that investment in people is as essential as investment in infrastructure. The workshop provided an open platform for collaboration and strategic alignment, highlighting the role of public-private partnerships, academic engagement, and regional cooperation in building a skilled and empowered workforce.
The workshop was welcomed from the Undersecretary for International and EU relations at Lombardy Region Dr. Raffaele Cattaneo. Speakers from a broad spectrum of institutions, both from the Public and Private sector and Academia, contributed to the dialogue.
Among them it is worth to mention representatives from Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Task Force for the implementation of the Mattei Plan of the Italian Government, International Energy Agency, Enel Foundation, Strathmore University, SDA Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Afry, RINA, CESI, GSE, and E4Impact. Central themes included how to strengthen the bridge between industry and academia, ensure the inclusion of women and youth, and define the competencies needed for the energy professionals of tomorrow.
The workshop reaffirmed longstanding commitment of RES4Africa and its partners to capacity building for Africa’s Energy Transition and the opportunity to create a stable relationship between all the involved stakeholders to increase the efforts on this matter. With over 3,200 professionals trained since 2014 through its Executive School and Technical Vocational programmes, the Foundation continues to champion capacity building as a pillar of sustainable electrification and energy access.
The event concluded with a networking session, reinforcing relationships among participants and laying the groundwork for future joint efforts in training, cooperation, and investment in Africa’s energy human capital.
Commenting on the outcomes of the workshop, Roberto Vigotti, Secretary General of RES4Africa Foundation, stated: “Africa’s energy future rests on the strength of its people. As we navigate an increasingly complex transition, capacity building must be recognised not as a support function but as a central pillar of progress. This workshop confirmed a clear message: sustainable energy systems are built not only with infrastructure, but with expertise, leadership, and shared vision. RES4Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the knowledge and skills essential to achieving a just and inclusive transition across the continent.”
Fabrizio Acerbis, Partner PwC TLS and member of RES4Africa steering committee, said: “As RES4Africa co-founders, it is always a pleasure for us to host in the PwC Tower events such as the Workshop on Capacity Building. The Italian efforts, at the highest institutional level, to play a role in partnering with Africa and its stakeholders need support and a smart sense of community from those who may help. Foundations like RES4Africa, a champion in its field, Private Business and Universities must meet together as frequently as possible acting as a network. This is exactly what happened today in Milan, and we were proud to be part of it.”
