Connect with us

Business

Redefining Africa-Europe Relations: How Academic Institutions are Powering Innovation

Published

on

Academic Institutions

African and European energy partnerships are transcending project development, with academic institutions taking on a proactive role in supporting capacity building across the continent

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

With substantial resources, attractive regulations and growing demand on a regional level, Africa is on the precipice of transformation within the field of energy. Investment is increasing across the value chain following new hydrocarbon discoveries and project launches and as African governments are prioritizing local content and the inclusion of the domestic workforce. While this opens up new opportunities for skills and technology transfer from global partners, it has also brought into question the role that academic institutions and governments play in supporting capacity building in Africa’s energy sector.

Redefining the Africa-EU Partnership

To unlock the full potential of the sector, capacity building deserves newfound focus in Africa. Despite being home to both the youngest and fastest-growing population globally, the continent faces education gaps and low participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), leading to an overreliance on foreign personnel in energy projects. Brookings Institute (https://apo-opa.co/48l625m) estimates that less than 25% of students in sub-Saharan Africa pursue STEM-related career fields. To support national local content agendas, therefore, Africa’s relations with global partners needs to move beyond project development to incorporate collaboration, skills transfer and partnerships within STEM education.

Historically, relations between Africa and Europe have largely centered on development, aid and economic interests, with little to no focus placed on research, innovation or the strengthening of institutional foundations. As relations evolve, a window of opportunity has emerged for both African and European academic institutions to bolster capacity building from the ground-up. From partnering on curriculum development, to promoting training programs, workshops and exchanges, to advocating for mentorships, industry partnerships and inclusion, academic institutions can lay the foundation for a strong and capable workforce.

More than supporting local content in Africa, partnerships with Europe will be integral for the modernization of Africa’s energy industry. The energy transition, rising demand and industry fluctuations require increased research and innovation to ensure that the world is equipped to provide the “energy of the future.” Africa is not exempt in this regard, and research and development will form the basis of the continent’s energy transformation. 

Africa’s relations with global partners needs to move beyond project development to incorporate collaboration, skills transfer and partnerships within STEM education

Supporting Capacity Building on a National Level

The European Union (EU) has demonstrated its commitment to supporting education in Africa. Under the EU-Africa Strategy (https://apo-opa.co/48Ixsld) – initially launched in 2007 and revised in 2022 – the bloc is promoting partnerships in education, skills, research and innovation across the continent, specifically within emerging fields such as digitalization and green energy. Through the support of the EU and this strategy, several collaborations have taken effect. Following a series of meetings in 2022, the African Research Universities Alliance and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities launched 20 joint Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRE) (https://apo-opa.co/3NPdnBQ), initiated with the support of the African Union and EU. The CoRE aims to enhance research and higher education, serving as catalysts for innovation in African energy.

African nations are also eager to capitalize on foreign expertise. On the sidelines of the Invest in African Energy (IAE) forum in Paris in 2023, the foundations were laid for increased collaboration between Namibia and French tertiary institutions Sciences Po. Namibia’s Minister of Energy and Mines Tom Alweendo held a meeting (https://apo-opa.co/3tF6SL1) with representatives from the institutions to advance academic cooperation across the energy sector. Parties agreed to explore new avenues for capacity building by signing a formal partnership on student exchange and training.

Cross-Institutional Support

More and more, African and European academic institutions are collaborating to support skills and technology development within energy-related fields. The German Academic Exchange Service (https://apo-opa.co/3NPjeqJ) offers scholarships and funding for African students pursuing energy-related studies, partnering with South Africa’s University of Cape Town – among other African institutions – to support STEM-related education. The United Kingdom’s Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan; the French Development Agency; Erasmus & Horizon Europe, and many more, also offer funding and academic support for students in energy.

Platforms such as the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2024 forum aim to further promote collaboration in education. Beyond connecting project developers and investors, the forum serves as a unique platform for both African and European academic institutions to engage on both a bilateral and multilateral level. The forum delves into the opportunities and challenges across Africa’s evolving energy sector, examining the strategic role of Europe in new project development and shifting supply-demand dynamics. Building on discussions held and agreements signed at the 2023 forum, the 2024 edition, WHICH IS ORGANIZED BY Energy Capital & Power, offers newfound opportunities for Africa and Europe to both examine and redefine their global partnership.

Register here (https://Invest-Africa-Energy.com/) for IAE 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and investors. Taking place in Paris, the event will be held from May 14-15.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Business

APO Group Named Africa’s Leading PR Agency in 2025 Brands Review Magazine Awards

Published

on

APO Group

Originally established as a press release distribution service, the company has evolved into a leading Pan-African communications consultancy, delivering impactful campaigns that shape narratives across the continent

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, February 20, 2025/APO Group/ –APO Group (http://www.APO-opa.com), the leading, multi-award-winning pan-African communication and media relations consultancy, is proud to announce that it has been named the winner in three award categories by Brands Review Magazine, a renowned UK-based media publication dedicated to covering key industry sectors worldwide.

APO Group was named Best PR Agency Africa 2025Leading Communication Consultancy Africa 2025, and Leading Press Release Distribution Platform Africa 2025. These accolades mark another milestone for APO Group, solidifying its position as the leader in public relations and communications services across Africa.

These awards confirm our commitment to providing exceptional media relations and communication services across Africa

Brands Review Magazine acknowledges outstanding businesses and industry leaders globally, highlighting organisations that excel in their respective fields. APO Group’s achievements in 2025 build on a track record of excellence, having previously received multiple accolades, including the SABRE Awards for Africa, a Global Double Award Win at the 2023 World Business Outlook Awards, and recognition at the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, where its Vice President of Public Relations, Rania El Rafie, was awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the ‘Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 category.

Commenting on the awards, Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, said: “These awards confirm our commitment to providing exceptional media relations and communication services across Africa. They strengthen APO Group’s position as a trusted leader in the African communications sector, highlighting our unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.”

“We are honoured to be recognised by Brands Review Magazine and remain committed to delivering exceptional services to our clients across Africa.”

For over 15 years, APO Group has been at the forefront of strategic public relations and media engagement in Africa, helping clients enhance their brand visibility, build credibility, and connect with key audiences. Originally established as a press release distribution service, the company has evolved into a leading Pan-African communications consultancy, delivering impactful campaigns that shape narratives across the continent.

APO Group remains committed to setting new industry standards and driving meaningful engagement for businesses, institutions, and stakeholders across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Continue Reading

Business

Arab Fund and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) Join Forces to Upgrade Data Portal for Sustainable Development in the Arab Region

Published

on

UN-ESCWA

The three-year partnership will include hands-on workshops, the creation of knowledge sharing resources, and the development of innovative strategies to improve development indicators

KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait, February 20, 2025/APO Group/ –The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the Arab Development Portal (https://apo-opa.co/4h645gR), a key online data resource for Arab countries. This collaboration aims to speed up Arab countries’ progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The portal is a regional knowledge and data platform providing access to reliable development data from various credible sources. The upgraded version will include tools powered by artificial intelligence tools, user-friendly dashboards and predictive analytics, offering valuable insights into economic trends, global benchmarks, and SDG indicators.

Partnership is at the core of our new strategy to maximize our impact on social and economic development across member countries

“This collaboration with the Arab Fund, representing ACG institutions, marks a pivotal step in strengthening data-driven, evidence-based decision-making across the Arab region. By enhancing data dissemination and accessibility, we empower policymakers and researchers with the insights needed to address critical challenges in economic development, public health, unemployment, climate resilience, and other key areas aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Rola Dashti, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UN-ESCWA.

The Arab Development Portal (https://apo-opa.co/4h645gR) was established by the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) (https://apo-opa.co/41ouIJ4), an alliance of 10 Arab development institutions including the Arab Fund.

“Partnership is at the core of our new strategy to maximize our impact on social and economic development across member countries,” said Bader Alsaad, Arab Fund’s Director General and Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Together with UN-ESCWA we will use our expertise and resources to create a data-driven approach that helps policymakers make informed decisions.”

The three-year partnership will include hands-on workshops, the creation of knowledge sharing resources, and the development of innovative strategies to improve development indicators. It will also strengthen connection between the portal and its sources and will offer specialized training on AI tools to boost skills in data management and analysis.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).

Continue Reading

Business

Scottish Africa Business Association Embarks on Pioneering Trade Mission to Kenya

Published

on

Scottish

This mission will take place from 12-16th May and will focus on key sectors that promise mutual growth and innovation

ABERDEEN, Scotland, February 20, 2025/APO Group/ –The Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA) (www.AfricaScot.com) is excited to announce a trade mission to Kenya to explore new business opportunities for Scottish companies and institutions, supported by the Scottish Government. This mission will take place from 12-16th May and will focus on key sectors that promise mutual growth and innovation.

One of our key sectors of focus will be around exploring opportunities in both traditional and innovative energy solutions; our delegates will hear about how they can help enhance energy security and efficiency through strategic partnerships and technological advancements.  As Kenya leads East Africa in renewable energy production, Scottish companies specialising in wind, solar, geothermal and tidal energy will have the chance to find out more about the opportunities in country.

Building on the strong educational links between Scotland and Africa, the delegation will explore opportunities around vocational training, skills development, and university partnerships to empower the next generation

With Kenya’s extensive coastline and rich marine resources, the maritime and blue economy sectors offer vast potential. Our mission will explore sustainable practices in aquaculture, fisheries, marine transport and port logistics and infrastructure to boost economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems.

Seona Shand, Chief Operating Officer at SABA, said: “SABA’S trade mission to Kenya will feature a comprehensive and engaging programme designed to maximise the benefits for our participants.  We’ll be hosting B2B meetings, round tables, site visits, networking and receptions providing supreme opportunities for them to win new business.”

Scottish businesses should be interested in the Kenyan market – one of Africa’s fastest growing economies with a diverse and resilient economic base

Scottish businesses should be interested in the Kenyan market – one of Africa’s fastest growing economies with a diverse and resilient economic base, as the largest economy in East Africa it serves as a gateway to a regional market of over 450 million people.

The country is a leader in renewable energy, with over 90% of its electricity coming from renewable sources such as geothermal, wind and solar power.  In addition, its growing youth population places high demand on quality education and skills development.  With Scotland’s globally respected higher education institutions and training providers, opportunities are abundant for leveraging talent in a pool primed for innovation.

Frazer Lang, Chief Executive at SABA, added: “We are pleased to be organising this trade mission to Kenya, a country with immense potential and a shared vision for sustainable growth. This mission represents a significant step towards strengthening our economic ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration.  Scottish businesses can not only drive their international growth but contribute to transformative changes in one of Africa’s most vibrant markets.  Our thanks go to the Scottish Government for supporting SABA to help Scottish businesses in this market.”

Any Kenyan businesses interested in meeting with the Scottish delegation from the aforementioned sectors are encouraged to get directly in touch with the team from SABA, along with those interested in sponsoring or partnering with SABA.

For more information, click here (https://apo-opa.co/3X7L9qC).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA).

Continue Reading

Trending