Digital Energy 2025: Two Days to Accelerate Energy Innovation in Africa
On 26–27 November 2025, Dakar hosted a major gathering for the energy and digital innovation ecosystem: the Digital Energy Bootcamp and the 2025 Awards Ceremony celebrating this year’s laureates.
Organized by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) with support from the European Union, and operated by Onepoint, Blunomy, AETS Consulting and Yélé Consulting, the event brought together start-ups, utilities, technical experts, investors and institutions to collectively reflect on the transformation of Africa’s energy sector.
A Clear Objective: Creating Synergies to Transform Energy Systems
Since its launch in 2021, the Digital Energy Challenge has supported digital solutions that strengthen access to reliable, affordable and low-carbon energy.
The 2025 Bootcamp fully embraces this ambition: fostering exchange, stimulating collective intelligence and creating the right conditions for scalable, impactful innovations.
Over two days, participants took part in collaborative workshops, roundtables, technical sessions, experience-sharing moments and meetings with other Challenge laureates.
Highlights of 26 November
Activating Collective Energy
The Bootcamp opened with a session dedicated to both new and past laureates. Introductory workshops allowed participants to immerse themselves in the Digital Energy Community — a space designed to encourage knowledge-sharing, cooperation and innovation across the ecosystem.
Insights from Former Laureates
During the Pass the Power session, former Challenge laureates (Beacon Power Services, SLS Energy, Nomadsoft, Vittoria Technology, IED, ASER) shared progress, challenges and key lessons for scaling their solutions — an inspiring sequence for the new laureates in attendance.
Collaborating to Unlock AI’s Potential in Energy
The afternoon focused on a large collaborative session exploring AI use cases for customer management, demand forecasting and operational efficiency.
Experts from Onepoint, PAM Africa, Carbon Trust and IDRC supported teams in imagining pragmatic AI solutions grounded in real field challenges.
Bilateral Meetings & Networking
The day concluded with bilateral meetings with the Challenge team, followed by a networking dinner gathering all laureates — a privileged moment to build connections and explore new opportunities.
Highlights of 27 November
Understanding the Trends in Digital Energy
The second day opened with a session featuring Senelec, AFD Dakar, the French Embassy, officials from the Senegalese Ministry of Energy, and members of the Digital Energy Community.
Discussions highlighted several key topics: grid modernization, cybersecurity, planning, intelligent maintenance, financing mechanisms and evolving energy uses.
The Strategic Role of AI
A combined intervention from Onepoint experts explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of Africa’s energy systems: grid optimisation, anomaly detection, battery management, forecasting, enhanced customer relations and more.
Expert Panels
Three thematic roundtables brought together utilities, entrepreneurs, researchers and investors around central topics:
- Digitalisation & Data: How emerging technologies make grids safer, more efficient and more resilient.
- Stationary Storage & Smart Mini-Grids: A pathway toward clean, decentralized energy systems.
- Financing E-mobility: Challenges and opportunities within a fast-growing market.
2025 Awards Ceremony
A warm welcome and congratulations to the five new laureates joining the Digital Energy Community:
Green Innovation Ventures (PowerPay Africa)
A carbon-inclusion project combining IoT and blockchain to facilitate access for small African electric projects to the global carbon market.
Metavolt Énergie & Nghezo
A cloud platform for monitoring, control and predictive maintenance of off-grid solar systems through an Energy-as-a-Service model.
PAM Africa
A unified digital platform integrating smart metering, AI-based demand response, payment automation and customer CRM.
Stima Mobility Ltd
An advanced analytics solution for stationary batteries: performance tracking, state of health, warranties and certification tools.
Roseau Technologies
A complete platform to manage electrical connection requests, from the customer portal to technical studies and planning.
A Strengthened Ecosystem Looking Ahead
Through this Bootcamp and the Awards Ceremony, AFD and its partners reaffirm their commitment to supporting local innovation, accelerating the adoption of efficient digital tools and fostering collaboration across the sector.
The event further strengthens the Digital Energy Community — a space for resources, exchange and cooperation that supports organisations and entrepreneurs advancing a sustainable and resilient energy future.
