Stantec, a global leader in design and engineering, has been selected by the European Commission to provide business and management consultancy services for the Continental Energy Programme in Africa (CEPA). The project has a combined value of €11.5 million and will run through 2028. It is aimed at supporting three African Union institutions with the implementation of key pan African-level energy programmes: the African Union Commission’s Department of Infrastructure and Energy (AUC-DIE), African Union Development Agency - New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD), and African Energy Commission (AFREC).
Stantec will provide high-level technical assistance and policy advice at country, regional, and continental levels through expert missions. These missions are aimed at supporting the successful development and implementation of three pan African energy programmes: the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), the Continental (Power Systems) Masterplan (CMP), and the African Energy Efficiency Strategy (AfEES). Through the project, Stantec will help improve policy and regulatory conditions to attract public and private investment in energy access, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, considering climate change, gender, and health impacts. AfSEM is expected to become one of the largest continental electricity markets by 2040, while CMP will create a blueprint for a continental electricity market and prioritize energy projects. AfEES will provide a structure for efficient energy use within this market, contributing to SDG 13 goals related to climate action.
The contract will continue the work of the Global Technical Assistance Facility (GTAF) and become a quality reference for EU energy actions in Africa. Experts will provide technical advice, project structuring, negotiation facilitation, and communication activities. The project will support initial stocktaking, policy and regulatory reforms, capacity building, investment project preparation, fund mobilization, partnership facilitation, and programme monitoring. The technical assistance that Stantec’s team provides will be crucial for preparing energy investment projects, leveraging private investment, and ensuring political commitment from institutions in the African Union.
Christophe Leroy, Operations Director at Stantec in Belgium, expressed his pride in this achievement: "We are incredibly proud to have been selected for this pivotal project, which will promote sustainable energy practices, support the prioritasation of infrastructure investments and improve energy efficiency across the continent, contributing to long-term environmental and economic benefits. Our team has been working to support Africa's ambitious energy goals for years, through our close involvement in the development of AfSEM and the management of the GTAF. This project is the next step to facilitate greater regional integration of energy markets, leading to more reliable and affordable energy access for African communities."
Alexandros Grivas, Director of Energy Transition at Stantec, added: " This project is set to significantly bolster both the Team Europe and the Africa-EU Green Energy Initiatives. Winning this contract is a testament to our expertise and dedication in the energy sector. We are honored and looking forward to working closely with AUC-DIE, AUDA-NEPAD, and AFREC to enhance the energy infrastructure across Africa. This project represents a significant milestone for Stantec and our ongoing commitment to sustainable development and green energy solutions, fostering a brighter and more sustainable future."
