For the second time, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) took part in the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF), this year held on November 28-29 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The IIR’s participation highlighted the significant progress made by its projects in the region, particularly in the fields of solar cooling, sustainable refrigeration, and strengthened partnerships with stakeholders to continue delivering clean energy solutions.
A Step Toward a Just Energy Transition
ESEF, organised by the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), is an annual event designed to foster partnerships and explore investment opportunities in the energy sector across West Africa. This year’s theme, “Towards a Just Energy Transition in the ECOWAS Region”, attracted over 400 participants from 30 countries, including policymakers, industry leaders, and global experts. The forum aimed to address the region’s energy challenges while promoting sustainable and affordable energy solutions, reaffirming ESEF’s place as the region’s premier event for energy stakeholders.
SophiA Workshop on Solar Cooling and Heating
On November 27, the IIR organized a 3-hour workshop focusing on solar cooling and heating technologies, showcasing projects that have already made significant strides in the ECOWAS region. The workshop was held at the Centre des Conventions Hôtel Radisson Blu (Salle Bamako), and was hybrid, allowing participation from partners and students who could not attend in person. More than 70 persons participated to this workshop with half of students’ participants!
Moderated by Hary Andrintavy, the workshop featured several presentations:
- Philippe Schild (European Commission) discussed the EU-AU partnership since 2017, focusing on climate adaptation and renewable energy in Africa.
- Professor Michael Kauffeld (Karlsruhe University) introduced the SophiA project, which provides solar-powered cooling and heating in Africa, highlighting training for local technicians.
- Dr. Edem N’TSOUKPOE Kokouvi (2iE) shared challenges faced in Burkina Faso with solar refrigeration and the importance of local capacity-building. Link to presentation
- Dr. Ina Colombo (IIR) introduced the AGRI-COOL project, which reduces food waste in Africa through solar cooling. Link to presentation
- Dr. Abdoulaye GAYE (GIZ Senegal) presented the ROCA project, promoting low-GWP cooling solutions in West and Central Africa. Link to presentation
- Hubert Zan (Energy Commission of Ghana) discussed the ECOFRIDGES project, improving energy efficiency and affordability of cooling appliances in Ghana. Link to presentation
- Valorem Energie showcased the Cryosolar system, a mobile solar refrigeration solution.
- Mr. Madi Sakande (U-3ARC) addressed challenges faced by African refrigeration technicians, emphasizing international cooperation and gender inclusion. Link to presentation
- Professor Moussa Soro (2iE) highlighted innovative energy engineering programs focused on entrepreneurship and leadership. Link to presentation
- Dr. Ina Colombo delivered a second talk on women in cooling, advocating for gender equality in the RACHP sectors. Link to presentation
- Marco Duran (IIR) discussed policy briefs on natural refrigerants in Africa (Link to presentation) and the development of an ECOWAS Regional Guide for National Cooling Action Plans. Link to presentation
- Yao Bernard Koffi (ECOWAS) wrapped up with a discussion on establishing a regional carbon market in West Africa. Link to presentation
The workshop included lively Q&A sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions on overcoming energy and cooling challenges in the region.
On November 29th the afternoon, SophiA (2iE partner) participated and moderated in panel session on energy modeling and planning for sustainable development moderated. The session also featured sister projects Energica, OnePlanet and AGRI-COOL respectively represented by ECREEE, NANOE and IIR.
Recognition at ESEF 2024
The IIR was awarded the prestigious ECREEE AWARD for its outstanding contribution to sustainable energy development through the SophiA project, recognising the institute’s efforts in promoting solar cooling and sustainable energy technologies across Africa. 
IIR and SophiA participations in ESEF 2024 underscored the growing importance of sustainable cooling solutions and energy-efficient technologies in West Africa. The diverse range of projects and innovations presented highlighted the pivotal role of collaboration and knowledge exchange in overcoming the region’s energy challenges. As we look forward to ESEF 2025, SophiA is excited about the opportunities to build on these achievements, expand partnerships, and further contribute to a just and sustainable energy transition across the region. The future of cooling, clean energy, and sustainable development in Africa is bright, and we can’t wait to see what next year’s forum will bring!
