GlobalNeighboursBreakfastClubwithSustainableEnergyforAll(SEforALL)

Another session of the Global Neighbours Breakfast Club series on Energy Transition & Green Industrialization in the Global South took place on May 5 at our premises in Vienna, organized with the valued support of our partner Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).

The event featured contributions from distinguished experts and co-hosts, including Mikael Melin (Director, Partnerships & Development), Sherry Kennedy (Director of Communications), Tamojit Chatterjee (Senior Energy Specialist), and Giulio Franci (Investment Analyst). The roundtable convened high-level investors and professionals from across the energy sector.

Tamojit Chatterjee (Senior Energy Specialist) and Mikael Melin (Director, Partnerships & Development)

SEforALL works globally with governments and partners to expand energy access, decarbonize energy systems, and support green industrialization in emerging and developing economies. As a United Nations-affiliated organization hosted by UNOPS, it combines advocacy, policy support, capacity building, and investment facilitation to help countries move from ambition to implementation.

A central theme of the discussion was the growing role of economic drivers in energy transition planning. Reducing energy costs, improving energy security, fostering development, and creating jobs are increasingly shaping national strategies.

The economic case for the energy transition was strongly emphasized. SEforALL’s modeling shows that transitioning energy systems can deliver significant benefits, including fuel savings, renewable capacity expansion, emissions reductions, and job creation. Examples from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya illustrated how integrated planning can support both development and climate goals.

Private sector engagement emerged as a critical enabler. Energy Transition and Investment Plans are designed to translate national ambitions into concrete investment opportunities, supported by policy clarity, financial instruments, and structured collaboration platforms.

At the same time, participants emphasized that implementation challenges remain substantial across many emerging and developing markets. Concerns were raised regarding weak regulatory frameworks, limited institutional capacity, currency volatility, and restrictions affecting long-term private investment.

The roundtable further explored green industrialization and the role of critical mineral value chains. Localizing parts of clean technology production where viable can enhance resilience, create jobs, and reduce import dependency, particularly in regions rich in natural resources.

Financing challenges remain a significant barrier. In this context, participants highlighted the importance of stable regulatory frameworks, local currency financing, political risk mitigation, and stronger involvement of domestic financial institutions. Currency volatility and limited investment conditions continue to constrain progress in many markets.

The session concluded with reflections on evolving development finance landscapes and geopolitical dynamics. Despite challenges, there was strong consensus that accelerating energy transition and green industrialization in the Global South will require coordinated action—combining credible policy frameworks, local capacity, private sector engagement, and access to finance to turn ambition into implementation.