Since 2020, the Digital Energy Challenge, supported by the European Union and ADEME, has been driving the development of innovative digital solutions that enhance energy access, integrate renewable energy sources and improve the performance of public utilities across Africa. Since its creation, the Challenge has supported 30 Start-up and Public Energy Operator projects.
What: Award ceremony and conferences 9am-5:30pm / Networking cocktail 5:30pm-7pm
When: Thursday 28th November 2024
Where: Thon City Centre Hotel, 17 avenue du Boulevard - 1210 Brussels – Belgium
This year’s Bootcamp & Award Ceremony will bring together the 11 Start-up and Public Energy Operator winners of the 4th edition of the Challenge, prominent players in Africa's energy access sector and guest speakers from the European Commission, AFD, and ADEME (French Agency for Ecological Transition).
This exclusive event offers participants a day of conferences, panel discussions and networking opportunities and, of course, discovery of the 11 winning innovative projects.
If you would like to join us online, please sign up here !
Program
Online sessions are marked with *
9h00 - 9h30 Registration and welcome coffee
9h30 - 10h20 Introductory Round Table*
The Digital Energy Challenge – a booster to innovation and universal electricity access
Moderator : Iris Nicomedi – International Expert, ADEME
Speakers :
- Marjeta Jager – Deputy Director-General, Directorate-General for International Partnerships, European Commission
- Bertrand Walckenaer – Deputy CEO, AFD
- Philippe Masset – Director Europe and International, ADEME
- Isabelle Kocher de Leyritz – Chairman & CEO, Blunomy
- Jean Van Wetter, CEO, ENABEL, Development Agency of Belgium’s federal government
10h20 - 11h00 Award Ceremony*
Including the Geospatial Special Award sponsored by the European Space Agency
Présentation de l’Alliance for Rural Electrification*
- David Lecoque – CEO
11h15 - 12h50 Découverte des projets lauréats
Poster presentations by the 11 award winners 2024 and Alliance for Rural Electrification
13h00 - 14h00 Lunch
14h00 - 14h40 Digital Energy Facility news*
14h40 - 15h00 Digital and Green Innovation Joint Action*
- Nicolas Guichard – Head of Energy Unit, AFD
- Moussa Bagayoko – CEO, Yélé Consulting
15h00 - 15h30 Presentation of the 2021-2023 Award Winners*
15h30 - 16h30 Networking
16h30 - 17h15 Panel Discussion *
The role and optimization of subsidies in the deployment of mini-grids
Moderator: Quentin De Hoe – Fund Manager, ElectriFi
Speakers:
- Guilhem Dupuy – Partner, GAIA Impact Fund
- Léonide Michaël Sinsin – Co-Founder / Manager, ARESS, 2023 Challenge winner
- Dina Rajaobelina – Brand Director/CSR, ANKA Madagascar, 2024 Challenge winner
- Idris Tayebi – CEO, NOA
17h15 - 17h30 Conclusions*
Agence française de développement
17h30 - 19h Cocktail
