Participants of the 7th G-PAD Forum ©Lead Africa International eV
For the first time, the Global Partnerships for African Development (G-PAD) Forum took place in cooperation with the Landesmesse Stuttgart at the renowned hydrogen trade fair hy-fcell. This new partnership offered an ideal platform to present innovative approaches and groundbreaking ideas for a sustainable energy transition.
The 7th G-PAD Forum has once again proven to be an important meeting place for bringing people, ideas and companies together. Through the cooperation with the hy-fcell Expo and Conference, a central hub for the energy industry, participants this year were able to benefit from a unique combination of conference and direct exchange.
Under this year’s theme Unlocking Africa's Renewable Energy Potential On October 9, 2024, G-PAD placed the African continent at the center of the forum as a key player for renewable energies. Top-class speakers, exciting panel discussions and diverse networking opportunities made the event a success.
A highlight of the event were the inspiring lectures and lively panel discussions:
- Arndt Franz, CEO of Mahle: "Renewable energy has great potential as it can cover 10.000 times the world's energy needs. The process starts locally, but we need cooperation: Europe needs Africa and the energy. Africa's future is promising."
- State Secretary Rudi Hoogvliet: "The transition to renewable energy requires international cooperation. Africa is a key partner for us here. Partnerships with Africa are crucial for Germany: they mean diversification for us, and Africa benefits from investments. Cooperation in the field of renewable energy reduces dependence on fossil energy sources and promotes freedom and peace on a global level."
- Joy Alemazung, Mayor of Heubach: “When you go to Europe, bring something with you: bring your expertise, bring the sun, bring the wind.”
- Dr. Ibrahim Kolawole Muritala, ABS Global Sustainability Center Houston: "We need global investment. To achieve this, we must overcome the two biggest hurdles: the infrastructure deficit and transport."
- Prof. Martin Neumann, Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences: "Africa has the potential to become a global market leader in renewable energy. The biggest hurdles are the infrastructure and legal framework."
- Katrin Puetz, (B) Energy GmbH: "It's about making the change: from buying gas to biogas. We also need to change the narrative: not all people in Africa are poor. Biogas has always been promoted as a solution for poor people. We need to change that narrative."
- Marie Badiane-Mbuyu, Alexander & Partner: "There is money in Africa. We absolutely have to stop the narrative that Africa is poor. We need a change in our hearts, in our minds and we need a fair distribution."
Timi Olanrewaju, Isabell Knüttgen, Guido von Vacano and Philipp Keil ©LEAD Africa International eV
Joy Alemazung and Arndt Franz in the audience
State Secretary Rudi Hoogvliet with Timi Olanrewaju and Philipp Keil
Visitors to the G-PAD Forum during a musical break
Dr. von Netzer, Prof. Brando Okolo, Marie Badiane-Mbuyu, Katrin Puetz and Ahmed Alhassan Kinbokun in conversation
Contributions from the audience enriched the discussions
The expertise and interest of the participants are valuable contributions to the G-PAD Forum
participants in conversation
At the end, the organizer Timi Olanrewaju from Lead Africa International eV together: "We want to be responsible for our own narrative. Africa is the solution to the global energy problem."
The combination of hy-fcell trade fair and G-PAD Forum on October 9, 2024 provided an exceptional platform for honest and inspiring discussions, new collaborations and possible business opportunities.