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Announcing the African School of Regulation (ASR)

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February 1, 2022

We’re glad to announce as Knowledge Partner the African School of Regulation (ASR), an initiative originated by a partnership among the European University Institute (EUI), the University of Cape Town (UCT), the Pan African University Institute of Water and Energy Sciences (PAUWES), and the Energy Nexus Network (TENN).

The aim of the partnership is to share knowledge and foster education initiatives, as well as applied research and space for policy dialog, for governments, regulators, utilities, and other stakeholders to better regulate the African energy sector in support of the continent’s socio-economic development and environmental sustainability.

“The launch of the African School of Regulation is a testament to our collective efforts to support Africa’s drive to achieving SDG7 with particular emphasis on universal access to modern energy services for all,” said Kandeh Yumkella, founder and CEO of TENN. “However, the massive investments required will only be possible when the right regulatory and policy frameworks are in place. TENN is proud to be one of the collaborating institutions to create the ASR,” he further underscored.

At its core, the ASR aims to be the preeminent pan-African centre of excellence on energy regulation and in providing capacity building on best international regulatory practices. Its establishment is inspired by the EUI’s Florence School of Regulation (FSR) mission.

“The FSR is keen to share its knowledge and expertise in the creation of the ASR as a specialised school on energy regulation and providing logistical and coordination support during the creation and start-up phase,” said Professor Ignacio Pérez-Arriaga, who represents the FSR in the ASR Partnership.

Recognized for its diverse experience and success in providing training in energy regulation with a focus on the European Union but also around the world for almost two decades, the FSR has recently made a special effort to provide the right training and support to meet Africa’s reality and needs in the areas of energy and climate change.

Carlo Papa, Managing Director of the Enel Foundation, noted that “as part of our efforts to support the energy transition in Africa, we are delighted to participate in the launch of the ASR venture and keen to cooperate with partners for the School to become a cornerstone of the continent’s sustainable future powered by affordable, reliable, clean and modern electricity smartly distributed to all.”

The establishment of the African School of Regulation will be executed in two phases. Led by the Florence School of Regulation and in coordination with partner institutions, phase one will see the development of training programs, the implementation of specific activities in research and policy dialogue. During this first phase, the partners will decide on identifying an African hosting institution(s) and will establish modalities for the future governance of the ASR, including the program of activities and a viable financing plan for a period of 5 years.

“The Power Futures Lab at the University of Cape Town is pleased to be associated with this initiative to establish an African School of Regulation. This will be an opportunity to build on our existing training courses on power sector reform and regulation, through widening the range and reach of activities in support of the energy transition, and the provision of sustainable, reliable and affordable energy services” noted the UCT Professor Anton Eberhard.

Not only will the launch of the virtual Knowledge Hub complement the new initiative’s ongoing efforts, it will also provide an inventory of all relevant and ongoing capacity building activities, energy regulation institutions in Africa, and a repository of openly accessible learning materials are made available to participants.

“RMI’s Energy Transition Academy is honored to be partnering with ASR to enhance on-the-ground capacity and empower Global South leaders,” said Jules Kortenhorst, CEO of RMI. “This collaboration reflects a holistic, participant-led, and market-driven approach that is key to accelerating a just energy transition.”

Phase two will see the transfer of the management and operations of the ASR to the identified institution(s) under new governance. This means, ASR will formally be headquartered at the hosting institution(s) in Africa.

Professor Abdellatif Zerga from PAUWES added “ASR will contribute extensively to energy transition as addressed in the Agenda 2063 of the African Union. PAUWES will contribute to build and strengthen capacities, support African Union’s organs and members states in the uptake, localization, and adaptation of ASR outputs towards the provision of reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for everyone in the African continent.”

Institutions that have endorsed the ASR’s mission include – the Africa EU Energy Partnership (AEEP), the Africa Europe Foundation, the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Programs (ESMAP), Friends of Europe, Sustainable Energy for ALL and the UN Economic Commission for Africa. They will offer support in the start-up, and consolidation of the ASR according to raising needs.

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