In many countries, access to energy remains a major challenge, with direct consequences for health services, education and economic development. In Africa, this challenge takes on an additional critical social dimension: 600 million people have no access to electricity, and nearly a billion still use polluting fuels (firewood, charcoal) for cooking.

As energy demand is on the rise and inequity persists, a just energy transition is key to addressing climate, social and economic challenges simultaneously. It aims to reconcile decarbonisation, universal access to energy and inclusive economic development, whilst ensuring that no country or population is left behind.

It also represents a major opportunity for economic diversification and low-carbon industrialisation, contributing to climate resilience and the creation of green jobs.

Priorities

Enabel’s approach links public policy, markets and finance, with a view to making the energy transition a catalyst for opportunities for communities, the climate and economies.

Supporting universal access to sustainable energy: We support access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for all, particularly for vulnerable groups and essential services. Our work involves strengthening energy networks, as well as rolling out mini-grids and decentralised solutions tailored to hard-to-reach areas.
They also aim to improve the resilience of energy systems in the face of crises and climate-related shocks. The roll-out of clean cooking solutions and alternative fuels also forms part of energy access programmes, with significant impacts on health, environmental protection and gender equality.

Accelerating the transition to low-carbon solutions: We support the development and promotion of low-carbon solutions to help achieve emission reduction targets and strengthen energy security. Our work focuses in particular on the roll-out of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and establishing robust policy and regulatory frameworks.
This priority helps to align our actions with climate commitments at national and international level.

Making the energy transition a driver of economic and industrial transformation: The energy transition presents a strategic opportunity to diversify economies and support low-carbon industrialisation. Enabel supports the structured development of low-carbon value chains and industrial sectors in key areas such as housing, industry, transport and trade.
This priority aims to strengthen the competitiveness of partner economies, create jobs and attract investment in sectors undergoing transition.

Services

Creating a supportive environment:

• We support public sector partners in defining and implementing energy policies that are in line with national and international commitments, drawing in particular on Belgian public and private sector expertise.
• We help to strengthen regulatory frameworks and facilitate coordination between institutions and public, private and financial stakeholders, drawing on sector analyses, market assessments and data platforms.

Mobilising funding and structuring markets:

• We support access to international climate finance and develop viable projects, from pre-feasibility studies through to the development of public-private partnerships.
• We also facilitate the introduction of innovative financial mechanisms (blended finance, carbon markets) to boost private investment and support sustainable energy markets.

Rolling out solutions and scaling up:

• We carry out pilot projects, test innovative models and support the roll-out of tried-and-tested solutions.
• We support the roll-out of decentralised renewable energy and clean cooking solutions, whilst contributing to the development of local value chains.

Developing skills and supporting innovation:

• We invest in training and reskilling programmes that are aligned with employment opportunities in support of the energy transition and the strengthening of institutional capacity.
• We are building the capacity of public institutions and supporting innovation and the development of tailored, sustainable solutions that deliver long-term impact.