By Collins Kofi Boamah
RES4Africa, Enel Foundation, and UM6P Conclude High-Level and Technical Trainings with the support of the Mattei Plan for Africa
RES4Africa Foundation, Enel Foundation, and the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) proudly announce the successful conclusion of two transformative educational initiatives: The Second High-Level Managerial Course on Renewable Energy and the Energy Transition, and the inaugural Technical & Vocational School on Decentralized Renewable Energy Solutions.
Held from July 1st to 10th at UM6P in Ben Guerir, these ground-breaking programs were made possible through a strategic partnership between the three institutions. Organized with the support of the Mattei Plan for Africa, the initiative brought together professionals from across the continent to strengthen their skills and accelerate Africa’s energy transition. Gathering over 60 participants from across the continent, the programmes aim to boost managerial and technical skills essential to foster Africa’s energy environment.
The intensive ten-day Managerial course equipped participants representing 28 public institutions, energy companies, and research organizations with essential skills tailored to navigate and excel in Africa’s dynamic renewable energy markets. Participants benefited from a robust curriculum covering critical topics including power sector decarbonization, renewable energy policies, regulatory landscapes, and cutting-edge innovations. Renowned industry and academic experts, alongside officials from international organizations, within RES4Africa’s network, delivered interactive workshops, case studies, and real-world examples, providing invaluable insights into the latest advancements in renewable energy technologies.
On the other hand, the Technical and Vocational School trained young professionals with the practical expertise needed to accelerate decentralized renewable energy solutions. The participants were selected in collaboration with UM6P’s ReBuild initiative, which supports and empowers communities affected by the earthquake that hit Morocco in 2023, and CorpsAfrica, which trains Volunteers to facilitate small-scale, high-impact projects in rural communities. The curriculum included both on-grid and off-grid decentralized renewable energy solutions, productive uses of electricity, solutions for emergencies, and hands-on learning activities in specialized laboratories.
The programs facilitated knowledge exchange and networking among the participants, fostering long-term professional relationships and strengthening collaboration across the African energy sector. The courses not only advanced managerial and technical expertise but also promoted stronger partnerships between Italy and African nations, in alignment with the Italian Government’s Mattei Plan for Africa, which prioritizes the promotion of skills and competences necessary for the energy transition and to encourage the creation of decent jobs at a continental level.
“Thanks to the crucial support of the Mattei Plan for Africa, we’ve been able to scale this initiative and reach both established professionals and emerging talent. These aren’t just training courses, they’re platforms to empower African leaders and catalyse real impact in building a just, inclusive, and green energy future for the continent,” stated Roberto Vigotti, Secretary General at RES4Africa Foundation.
“Training and capacity building are at the heart of the Mattei Plan’s vision for a sustainable and inclusive energy future. By investing in people, we’re accelerating Africa’s energy transition and also, we’re building lasting partnerships and empowering local communities to lead the change.” stated Giulia Genuardi Managing Director, at Enel Foundation.
“Building on the success of the first edition, this second High-Level Managerial Course further demonstrates our commitment to empowering African talent with the tools and expertise needed for a sustainable energy future,” said Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P. “At UM6P, we believe that the energy transition must be driven by local leadership, innovation, and collaboration. This initiative reinforces our ambition to nurture a new generation of leaders capable of transforming Africa’s energy landscape and shaping resilient, autonomous ecosystems for the long term.”