ARE launches Francophone Investment Academy at EAIF 2026 Kenya
At a time when decentralised renewable energy (DRE) companies are playing an increasingly central role in expanding energy access, efforts to strengthen their investment readiness are gaining momentum. On the third day of the ARE Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF 2026), the Alliance for Renewable Electrification (ARE) officially launched the first training under its Francophone Investment Academy, marking a new step in supporting renewable electrification enterprises across Francophone Africa.
The Academy aims to equip SMEs with the tools and knowledge needed to attract investment and grow sustainably.
2026 Cohort of the Academy includes ADB Africa (Mali), Techno Systems (Mauritania), Aptech Africa (Central African Republic), BUIM (Burundi), COSER Energy (Senegal), ENERGIAIZE (Burkina Faso), Green Biz Africa (Mali), Inergy (Madagascar), KYA Energy Group (Togo), Masontsika (Madagascar), Smart Solutions SARL – Inovtech (DRC), Tamaka (Burundi), TozziGreen (Madagascar), World Jolly Generation Engineering and Trading (Niger), Tech Power Services (DRC).
The modules of the Academy are as follows:
- Module 1 – Project development, business model development, and business plan development
- Module 2 – Financial terminology and financial management for ERD projects
- Module 3 – Pitch deck development and presentation skills
- Module 4 – Financial landscape for ERD companies and projects
- Module 5 – Access to finance: investment readiness training
- Module 6 – Pitch session with financiers and awards ceremony/matchmaking
The initiative forms part of ARE’s broader capacity-building programme, which includes a series of Investment Academies designed to strengthen the investment readiness of local companies in developing markets. Through targeted training on business development, financial structuring, and investor engagement, participants are also given opportunities to connect directly with international investors.
The 2026 edition of the Francophone Investment Academy is delivered in partnership with Camco’s REPP 2 Technical Assistance Facility, which provides funding and technical support for the programme. This collaboration reflects a shared objective to unlock capital for renewable energy businesses operating in underserved regions.
The Academy adopts a hybrid format, combining in-person sessions with online learning to ensure accessibility across a wide geographic area. It targets DRE enterprises from West, Central, East and Southern Africa, with a particular focus on companies operating in Francophone markets.
By strengthening the pipeline of investment-ready businesses, the programme seeks not only to accelerate company growth but also to contribute to broader efforts to expand clean, reliable and affordable energy access across the continent.
