Explainer: What is the READ Project and Its Significance for Africa’s Energy Future? | Dawan Africa

The Renewable Energy Paradox of Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa stands at a critical crossroads, where immense renewable energy potential exists side by side with a stark reality: vast populations remain without reliable electricity. The energy landscape is further complicated by a pressing need for skilled professionals to drive the green transition. Despite the potential for harnessing solar, wind, and hydropower resources, many universities in the region struggle to prepare a workforce equipped to meet this challenge. Enter the Renewable Energy Advancement for Inclusive Development in Sub-Saharan Africa (READ) Project, a transformative initiative focused on reshaping renewable energy education, research, and workforce development throughout the region.

What is the READ Project?

The READ Project is a three-year higher-education capacity-building initiative supported by the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) program. Scheduled to run from November 2025 to October 2028, the project is coordinated by SIMAD University, armed with an EU grant of €752,488.20. This ambitious endeavor brings together a consortium of universities from Africa, Europe, and Türkiye, creating a comprehensive platform for academic collaboration.

Beneficiary institutions span Somalia, Tanzania, and Malawi, while European partners, particularly from Italy, contribute their expertise. This collaborative framework not only enhances educational quality but also cultivates a shared vision for sustainable energy solutions.

Why READ Is Needed

A substantial gap in energy access persists across Sub-Saharan Africa, despite an increasing demand for clean-energy professionals. Several factors contribute to this dilemma:

• Outdated Renewable-Energy Curricula: Many universities lack modernized coursework that reflects the latest advancements in renewable technologies.

• Insufficient Laboratories and Teaching Tools: Without adequate facilities, students miss hands-on experiences critical for mastering technical skills.

• Weak Industry and Policy Links: The disconnect between academic institutions and industry players hinders students from acquiring job-ready skills that employers seek.

READ aims to bridge these gaps by integrating education with real-world labor market needs. The project is not merely focused on producing academic certificates but fostering innovation, job creation, and inclusive development.

Core Objectives

The READ Project revolves around three main objectives that interconnect to strengthen the renewable energy landscape:

1. Enhancing University Capacity: The project seeks to empower institutions to deliver inclusive and industry-relevant renewable-energy education and research.

2. Fostering University-Industry Collaboration: By developing partnerships with industry, graduates will be equipped with essential skills that meet market demands, making them more employable.

3. Promoting Green Entrepreneurship: READ will support aspiring entrepreneurs among students and researchers, encouraging them to create clean-energy startups that contribute to the local economy and sustainability efforts.

What READ Will Deliver

Over the course of three years, the READ Project is set to implement a series of transformative reforms across participating institutions:

• Modernized Renewable-Energy Curricula: Educational programs will be updated to include the latest developments in renewable energy technologies and practices.

• Training for Academic Staff: A robust Training of Trainers (ToTs) initiative will enhance the skills of academic staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to teach these modern curricula.

• Applied Research and Policy Engagement: The project will generate research that informs policy and industry practices, ensuring advancements remain relevant to local contexts.

• Pilot Teaching, Internships, and Industry Placements: Engaging students in real-world projects will allow them to apply their learning in practical settings.

• Strengthened Quality-Assurance Systems: The project will work to ensure that all educational reforms meet high-quality standards.

• Expanded Africa-Europe Academic Cooperation: Collaboration between African and European institutions will be bolstered, fostering a global knowledge-sharing network.

How the Project Is Structured

To effectively implement its ambitious goals, the READ Project is divided into six work packages (WPs):

• WP1: Project Management and Coordination: Ensures smooth operations and clear communication among all partners.

• WP2: Curriculum Development: Focuses on modernizing educational curricula to align with energy sector demands.

• WP3: Capacity Building and Research: Enhances the research capabilities of universities, encouraging innovation and practical outcomes.

• WP4: Teaching and Implementation: Works to implement the newly developed courses and ensure they are taught effectively.

The structured approach of the READ Project not only addresses immediate educational challenges but also lays a solid foundation for a sustainable future in renewable energy across Sub-Saharan Africa. By transforming how education is delivered and linked to industry needs, the project aims to catalyze significant advancements in energy access, economic development, and social inclusivity.