Africa’s drive to expand access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy is gaining fresh momentum as the 6th edition of the Renewable Energy for Sustainable Growth (RE4SG) Conference and Exhibition kicked off in Kigali on September 8.
The three-day summit, organized by the Energy Private Developers Association (EPD) under the patronage of the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), runs from September 8 to 10 and brings together policymakers, private-sector leaders, financiers, utilities, development partners, researchers, academics and civil society to explore integrated energy solutions that address Africa’s complex development needs and accelerate the continent’s clean energy transition.
Following five previous editions, the 6th edition of RE4SG is positioning itself as a fully-fledged pan-African platform connecting the continent’s energy ambitions with investment, innovation, technology and practical solutions.
The summit is showcasing opportunities across a wide range of areas, including solar, hydropower, hydrogen, nuclear energy, methane, energy storage, clean cooking, electric mobility and the circular economy, while promoting stronger partnerships to support sustainable growth across Africa.
Rwanda’s progress in renewable energy and its supportive business environment have emerged as positive examples of how enabling policies and private-sector engagement can help attract international cooperation.
Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Cheng Zhang, a Research Associate in the Energy Program at World Resources Institute (WRI) China and coordinator of China-Africa cooperation on renewable energy, praised Rwanda’s policy environment and its openness to international partners.
“I appreciate the very clear regulations and policy schemes here in Rwanda to promote renewable energy.”
Zhang also highlighted the importance of Rwanda’s private sector in strengthening cooperation with Chinese stakeholders, pointing to the role of the Energy Private Developers Association (EPD).
“We have very good collaboration with EPD as a renewable energy private sector association.”
The cooperation between China and African countries is aimed at helping unlock greater renewable energy investment across the continent by connecting businesses, research institutions, investors and other key stakeholders.
The initiative currently prioritizes Rwanda, Kenya and Ethiopia, while its broader objective is to expand renewable energy cooperation to other African countries, Zhang said.
According to Zhang, the China-Africa partnership under South-South cooperation focuses on three key areas: business-to-business collaboration, capacity building and finance. The approach seeks to strengthen commercial partnerships, share technical expertise and develop innovative financing solutions to support renewable energy investment across Africa.
China’s experience in renewable energy is also creating opportunities for technology cooperation. Zhang said China has developed a wide range of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind and biomass, while identifying solar energy as particularly promising for African markets.
“There is a great match between the technology and the local needs.”
He further highlighted innovative applications in China that combine solar energy with agriculture, fisheries and irrigation, noting their potential for adaptation to local contexts in Rwanda and other African countries.
Zhang said the partnership is working to identify practical mechanisms that can help unlock greater investment, including blended finance approaches aimed at reducing risks for investors.
The partnership continues to grow, bringing together members from China and African countries, including research institutes, investors and manufacturers, and creating new opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Private Developers (EPD), Serge Wilson Muhizi, said RE4SG 2026 is focused on turning Africa’s energy ambitions into practical investment opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Muhizi emphasized a powerful message: Africa’s energy transition requires strong partnerships, private-sector investment, innovation, technology, research, finance and cross-border collaboration.
He also highlighted the importance of bringing key stakeholders together to unlock investment, share expertise and advance practical solutions that can accelerate sustainable energy development and create new opportunities across the continent.
“RE4SG 2026 is not simply a conference; it is a marketplace for transforming energy ambition into bankable opportunities, strategic partnerships and measurable impact.”
Building on the success of its previous five editions held in Kigali in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024 and 2025, more than 5,000 participants attended the previous editions, further strengthening Kigali’s role as a key meeting point for Africa’s renewable energy sector and international partners contributing to the continent’s energy transformation.
The summit therefore provides a platform for African countries and their international partners to advance investment, innovation and technology cooperation while strengthening the foundations for a cleaner, more inclusive and sustainable energy future across the continent.
