Mehdi Khouili
Programme Lead - Country Support and Capacity Building, African Energy Commission, African Union African Energy Commission, African Union
Mehdi Khouili is the Programme Lead for capacity building, partnerships, and Member States’ support at the African Energy Commission (AFREC) of the African union.
In his current role, Mehdi spearheads initiatives to enhance capacities, manages strategic partnerships, and coordinates country support efforts across the Continent. His responsibilities include developing and implementing AFREC’s capacity building programmes for AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and other stakeholders, while addressing both individual and institutional skills gaps in the African energy sector.
Mehdi also oversees existing and potential partnerships with African institutions, international organizations, and regional bodies to promote long-term collaboration in energy research and innovation. With over a decade of diverse experience in international development, Mehdi has supported the implementation of key regional programmes in his roles at the African Development Bank, the African Union, and several UN institutions.
As a licensed engineer, Mehdi has successfully led significant infrastructure and energy projects and programmes across Africa. He is fluent in French, English, and Arabic, and outside work he enjoys traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.
Conference Agenda Sessions
PANEL DISCUSSION: Mobilising Capital at Scale: A Call to Action for Investors
With a growing population and economic boom, Africa urgently needs reliable and sustainable energy. Its vast renewable resources and underdeveloped infrastructure present a significant investment opportunity. This opening keynote panel will explore Africa's power and energy needs, its role in the global energy transition, and how to attract investment to drive growth. Experts will discuss financing renewable energy projects, navigating Africa's carbon markets (including the VCM environment), and mobilizing capital at scale.
Key areas of discussion:
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What are the most pressing energy challenges facing Africa today? What have been the solutions for mobilising capital at scale?
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Derisking to attract more capital - what alternatives do we have?
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How can Africa leverage its carbon assets to attract investments and finance climate action? And how can carbon markets be designed to deliver sustainable benefits for African communities?
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Barriers to scaling, who's unlocking investors?
Wednesday 09 October 14:45 - 15:30 Energy Stage
Africa Power & Energy
Key areas of discussion:
-
What are the most pressing energy challenges facing Africa today? What have been the solutions for mobilising capital at scale?
-
Derisking to attract more capital - what alternatives do we have?
-
How can Africa leverage its carbon assets to attract investments and finance climate action? And how can carbon markets be designed to deliver sustainable benefits for African communities?
-
Barriers to scaling, who's unlocking investors?