Smart Energy Solutions for Africa (SESA) is a collaborative project between the European Union and nine African countries (Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania ) that aims at providing energy access technologies and business models that are easily replicable and generate local opportunities for economic development and social cohesion in Africa. Through several local living labs, it is expected to facilitate the co-development of scalable and replicable energy access innovations, to be

In Sub-Saharan Africa more than 630 million people live without access to electricity which is a constraint to social and economic development. In Kenya more than 35 million people do not have access to electricity. Due to recent developments like price drops and increased quality in solar PV technology, better mobile coverage and access to mobile payment solutions, several mission-driven private firms have emerged in Kenya delivering power to rural residents through solar powered mini-grids.

This research project is positioned within the context of renewable energy transitions in South Africa. The broad aim is to generate insight into how knowledge and capabilities are accumulated and diffused through interaction between global and domestic firms. More specifically, the project seeks further understanding on the learning and innovation processes that enable solar PV technology providers to acquire capabilities and thereby upgrade into higher value-added activities. The research is being conducted by Elder Davy and is supervised by Ivan Nygaard and Subash Dhar.  

This 3-year PhD research project focuses on sustainability transitions and low-carbon energy innovation in developing countries. The broad aim is to provide an improved understanding of the interface between the state, markets and donors as they develop and diffuse solar PV technology in East Africa.