AFD Digital Energy, in partnership with the AFD Energy Sector Platform, organized a morning session fully dedicated to stationary battery storage, with a particular focus on Africa’s needs, suitable financing mechanisms, and technologies for mini-grids.
The session explored the key advantages, challenges and opportunities associated with the development of battery storage in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The morning opened with a presentation of the main findings from a study conducted by AFD and Engie Impact, which examined:
- the identification of priority storage needs within African power systems, and
- the financing mechanisms best suited to support large-scale deployment.
This first presentation was followed by a second study led by SETEC, focused on the battery storage value chain for mini-grids in Sub-Saharan Africa.
📈 The study highlights the essential role of batteries in the development of mini-grids across the continent, analyzing available technologies, business models, operational challenges and solutions adapted to local contexts.
🕘 Morning Agenda
9:15 – 9:30 → Welcome coffee
9:30 – 9:40 → Opening remarks by an AFD representative
9:40 – 10:50 → Presentation of the findings from the two studies
10:50 – 11:10 → Coffee break
11:10 – 12:00 → Roundtable discussion
12:00 – 12:10 → Closing remarks
💬 Roundtable Discussion
Moderated by Mehdi Benaïssa (AFD), the roundtable brought together:
- Léonide Sinsin, CEO of ARESS Group – battery manufacturer and operator
- Thomas Deuve, Exide – battery manufacturer
- Liam Murphy, Vittoria Technology – innovative start-up
- and other committed partners from the battery storage sector
These discussions showcased concrete field insights, investment challenges, and the essential role of local expertise in advancing sustainable energy storage across Africa.
Watch the replay
