In a gathering that underscored the urgency of global energy cooperation, the Australian High Commission, in partnership with Strathmore University and Curtin University, Australia, held a public lecture, May 21, 2025, titled “Emerging Clean Energy Trends and Opportunities Across Australia and Africa.”
Hosted by the Australian High Commission, the lecture brought together leading minds in academia, industry, and government to explore sustainable strategies for addressing Africa’s clean energy challenges. With over 600 million Africans still lacking access to reliable electricity, the event spotlighted the critical need for international collaboration to close the continent’s energy and investment gaps.
Opening the event, H.E. Jenny Da Rin, the Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, emphasized the lessons learned from Australia’s experience of moving to a net zero economy.
“For Australia, the transition to a net-zero economy makes environmental and economic sense. Wind and solar PV are the cheapest forms of new electricity generation are expected to dominate Australia’s renewable energy. But this sort of investment requires policies that support the net zero transition and give certainty to attract capital.” she stated.
The High Commissioner also discussed Australia’s ambitious climate change goals, welcoming opportunities to deepen relations with Africa.
“We hope that we will also see more collaboration between Australia and Africa, including Kenya. Through partnerships like the one established by Strathmore and Curtin on hydrogen we see prospects to deepen engagement and collaboration, and foster knowledge exchange”.
Also speaking were Prof. Harlene Hayne, Vice Chancellor, Curtin University, and Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University, who reiterated their institutions’ commitment to driving sustainable energy education, research, and innovation.
Prof. Hayne underscored the critical importance of addressing climate change through global collaboration and the central role of higher education institutions in solving the world’s most pressing challenges.
“The climate crisis is a present and urgent priority for both Australia and Africa. At Curtin University, we are proud to partner with Strathmore University on this vital mission,” she remarked.
She emphasized that meaningful and lasting solutions to climate change will come from knowledge-driven institutions.
“The only future is a sustainable future. Universities must lead the charge by accelerating research, mobilizing innovation, and sharing expertise across borders.”
Dr. Ogutu reflected on the significance of the growing partnership between Strathmore University, Curtin University, and the broader Australian community. He described the collaboration as a deeply enriching and mutually beneficial relationship grounded in shared academic values and a commitment to sustainability.
He reiterated Strathmore University’s focus on being an entrepreneurial institution, one that aids in the commercialisation of innovations and research.
“Strathmore was the first university in Kenya to generate and feed solar energy into the national grid, demonstrating our leadership in sustainable energy,” said Dr. Ogutu
Looking ahead, Dr. Ogutu highlighted Strathmore’s latest frontier in clean energy: green hydrogen.
“How can we ensure that every person in our society has access to sufficient and sustainable energy? That is the challenge we are taking on, and we believe we can solve it through research, innovation, and partnerships.”
An expert panel featuring Wangari Muchiri (Global Wind Energy Council), Matthew Tilleard (Cross Boundary Group), Prof. Izael Da Silva (Strathmore University), Catherine Irura (SOWITEC Kenya), and moderator Georgie Ndirangu unpacked strategies to strengthen clean energy ecosystems through the Triple Helix Model, a collaboration framework between academia, industry, and government.
Panelists agreed that Africa’s vast reserves of critical minerals and growing youth population present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead in clean energy innovation. However, achieving this potential requires building local expertise, accelerating technology transfers, and investing in policy frameworks that support equitable and resilient energy systems.
The lecture marked a significant milestone in the #AUKE60YEARS celebrations, commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Kenya, signaling the beginning of a deeper engagement between Australian institutions and African partners. Strathmore University will serve as a regional hub for future joint research, workforce training, and sustainable project development initiatives.
As the discussions concluded, one message rang clear. The path to a just energy future lies in shared vision, shared knowledge, and shared action. Through this growing partnership, Australia and Africa are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive tomorrow.
