Supporting strategic and continental initiatives in Africa’s energy sector

African Union Continental Energy Synergy Technical Assistance

Power system integration and energy-efficient buildings are two critical levers for unlocking continental energy synergies in Africa. Within this EU-funded assignment, our team supported the African Union in the operationalization of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) and continent-wide Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) guidelines.

In Eastern Africa, we worked with EAPP to help scale up electricity access through a more integrated regional power system and market. Our team reviewed recent developments in generation capacity, cross-border interconnections, power trade, and regulatory reform in 11 EAPP countries. We then recalibrated and harmonized national end-use demand models up to 2055, strengthening the analytical basis for the upcoming EAPP Master Plan update.

Additionally, we partnered with the African Energy Commission (AFREC) to advance the African Energy Efficiency Strategy. We first mapped capacity and data gaps for energy-efficient buildings, going on field excursions in Tunisia and Kenya to engage with ministries, municipalities, professional associations, and financial partners. Based on the information we gathered, we proposed a practical framework for improving building-sector energy data collection and developed continental EPB guidelines tailored to Africa’s main climate zones. These prioritize low-cost design measures and are complemented by recommendations to support the progressive adoption and enforcement of building energy codes.

These efforts will inform and strengthen larger EU-Africa energy programs, providing direct benefits for investment, regulatory harmonization, and sustainable development in the region.