In a landmark show of global collaboration, ZE-Gen has unveiled a series of transformative clean energy initiatives at the heart of London Climate Action Week, with a strong focus on Africa. The projects, which span Ivory Coast, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and the United Kingdom, underscore the growing significance of UK-African partnerships in advancing climate resilience and energy access.

Held under the theme “Powering Productivity, Accelerating Investment,” ZE-Gen’s flagship event brought together government officials, climate experts, investors, and innovators to showcase the power of clean energy in transforming economies and improving lives—particularly in communities still grappling with unreliable or no access to electricity.

Clean Power for Development

Speaking during the high-level event, UK Special Representative for Climate Rachel Kyte said the shift to reliable, renewable energy was not only critical in tackling climate change but also in unlocking economic potential and improving public health.

“Reliable, renewable electricity is more than just a climate solution — it’s a catalyst for human progress,” she said. “ZE-Gen is showing the world what’s possible when ingenuity, investment, and urgency come together.”

ZE-Gen’s portfolio of more than 35 community-driven clean energy projects—supported by the IKEA Foundation and the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund—offers real solutions to the long-standing energy deficits across Africa. From solar microgrids in Malawi’s rural health centres, to renewable telecom infrastructure in Nigeria, and business energy hubs in Uganda, the initiatives are turning fossil fuel dependency into opportunity for sustainable growth.

So far, ZE-Gen has mobilised over £39.75 million to deploy clean energy technologies across underserved regions. These efforts not only reduce emissions but also empower local businesses and create much-needed jobs.

A Voice from the Ground

One of the leading voices at the event was Karana Olivier, a ZE-Gen project lead from Ivory Coast, who offered a firsthand account of how clean energy is reshaping community life.

“We’ve seen remote villages go from darkness to light — literally,” Olivier said. “Mothers can now deliver safely in lit maternity wards, businesses are running longer hours, and children are studying after sunset. Clean energy is delivering dignity.”

His remarks reflected a wider truth echoed throughout the event: that the clean energy transition must be just, inclusive, and locally driven.

Tackling a Global Inequity

Despite housing over two-thirds of the global population, emerging economies receive only 15 per cent of global clean energy investment, leaving many homes and businesses vulnerable to frequent blackouts and costly fossil fuel reliance. ZE-Gen’s work aims to reverse that trend by supporting locally owned, scalable clean energy solutions.

The health toll of fossil fuel generators remains alarming, with links to lung cancer, premature deaths, and hearing impairments. In that context, ZE-Gen’s focus on alternative power sources is not only a climate imperative but a public health one.

A Blueprint for the Future

The event also hosted representatives from leading global organisations including the Tony Blair Institute, Mirova Asset Management, Vodafone, WHO, Carbon Trust, and SEforALL, all advocating for sustained investment in renewable energy across critical sectors like healthcare, education, and SMEs.

As countries chart paths toward net-zero emissions, ZE-Gen’s approach offers a replicable model: combining investment, local knowledge, and technological innovation to power up prosperity.

“Africa doesn't want charity — it needs smart investment, trusted partners, and the right tools to lead its own clean energy future,” Olivier added. “ZE-Gen is helping unlock that potential.”

As climate change continues to pose a global threat, the ZE-Gen event has sent a clear message: meaningful change is possible when regions work together, not just to combat climate crises, but to deliver sustainable development that leaves no community behind.