2025 PEP Annual Conference
June 9-12, 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya
Policy Conference | Sessions for PEP researchers | Participant Information | Full Program
PEP conferences are global gatherings that unite development researchers, practitioners, leading experts, and policy stakeholders to tackle pressing issues in economic policy. These annual events offer a unique opportunity to experience the co-created research and policy analysis supported by PEP, showcasing collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and other key actors.
Building on the success of our first in-person conference in 2024 after four years online, PEP is excited to host another in-person event in Nairobi, Kenya. This year’s conference will feature a Policy Conference on June 11, along with peer review and training sessions for PEP researchers. Organized as part of multiple research programs, this event will provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy engagement.
This year's conference is organized as part of Six programs:
- Building sustainable and synergistic EIP ecosystems in East & West Africa (Hewlett)
- Learning and Knowledge Management Project (LKMP)
- Inclusive and sustainable procurement and cooking models to support home-grown school feeding in Ethiopia
- Renewable Energy, Agriculture Value and Entrepreneurship: Barriers, Opportunities, and Policy Implications in partnership with Environment for Development (EfD) and supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) as part of the Clean Energy for Development: A Call to Action (CEDCA) initiative
- Africa Fellows in Education Program in partnership with the Global Education Analytics Institute
Find out more about previous PEP conferences.
Strengthening local policy research capacity
Peer-review workshop (June 9-10) and training (June 12)
PEP meetings offer a valuable platform for peer review workshops and international networking, particularly for researchers from low-income countries.
During the event, representatives from various research teams will present their findings and project outcomes, engaging in discussions with peers and international experts. Additionally, all attending researchers will participate in a one-day workshop on best practices in research communications, exploring strategies and tools to enhance the dissemination of their findings effectively.
Program Agenda
Policy Conference | June 11
Financing and Inclusivity in Green Energy Transitioning
PEP conferences feature its one-day flagship Annual Policy Conference. Our annual conference is the perfect opportunity to witness firsthand the important research and policy analysis co-created by scientists, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders through PEP's support. These events present and discuss the policy implications of PEP research and are thematically focused on current or emerging development policy issues.
This year’s Policy Conference will explore two distinct themes during the morning and afternoon sessions:
From 9 a.m. EAT
From 2 p.m. EAT
The conference will showcase key findings from ongoing research, highlight policy implications, and help define a research agenda to generate further evidence-based insights. The overarching goal is to inform economic policy decisions on green energy transition, ensuring a balanced approach that considers the needs of both the Global North and South.
Bringing together international academic and governmental participants, these discussions will bridge the gap between research and policy, fostering an equitable and effective transition. To maximize impact beyond the conference, we will publish the main lessons and recommendations drawn from these dialogues.
Download Policy Conference programme
Watch live on our YouTube channel from 9 a.m. UTC+3
From 9 a.m. EAT
Challenges in financing and implementing green energy infrastructure unique to the Global South
The COP 29 summit in Azerbaijan highlighted the need for financial support for developing countries transitioning to renewable energy. However, financial pledges have fallen short, and recent geopolitical trends threaten climate finance from developed nations.
PEP researchers, in collaboration with Environment for Development EfD and with support from Center for Global Development CGD, have conducted extensive studies on sustainable energy financing in low-income economies. Their work underscores the importance of locally driven solutions, including leveraging multilateral development bank investments and policy reform initiatives.
A diverse panel of experts, practitioners, and policymakers will discuss challenges, innovative solutions, and actionable recommendations for ensuring the financial viability of energy transition projects.
Session Program
- 9:00 – Arrival and welcome remarks
- Intro by moderator (5 min)
- Carol Newman, Board Chair, PEP (10 mins)
- Jane Mariara, Executive Director, PEP (10 mins)
- 9.30 am – Keynote Presentation – Financing and Inclusivity in Green Energy Transitioning in the Global South (30 mins followed by 15 mins of Q&A)
- Keynote Speaker: Dr Simone Borghesi, Director, Florence School of Regulation, Climate, European University Institute
- 10.15am – Tea break and networking
- 10.45 am – Panel Discussion 1: Challenges in financing and implementing green energy infrastructure unique to the Global South – A 60 minute discussion with a 30 min Q&A, from 11.45 am.
- Panelist: Muhammad Zeshan, Research Fellow, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics
- Panelist: Adeola Adenikinju, Prof. of Economics, University of Ibandan, Nigeria
- Panelist: Bhim Adhikari, Senior Program Specialist, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
- Final Panelist: Elizabeth Njenga, General Manager, Business Development, KenGen
- 12.30 pm – Lunch Break
From 2 p.m. EAT
Towards a “just green transition” - integrating national realities and inclusivity
PEP research has explored the intersection of green energy policies with employment, gender, and regional economic disparities. Particular attention has been given to integrating marginalized groups, such as women and youth, in renewable energy initiatives.
This session will provide a platform for Southern-led perspectives on sustainable energy policies, focusing on practical strategies to achieve an inclusive transition.
Session Program
- 2.00 pm – Panel discussion 2: Towards a “just green transition” - integrating national realities and inclusivity – A 60 minute discussion with a 30 min Q&A, from 3.00 pm.
Panelist: Sim Sokcheng, Senior Research Fellow and Director at the Center for Policy Research in Agriculture and Rural Development, Cambodia Development Research Institute.
Panelist: Aisha Nanyiti, Lecturer, Department of Policy Development and Economics, Makerere University, Uganda
Panelist: Joanes Atela, Executive Director, African Research Impact Network
Panelist: Ann Kingiri, Principal Research Fellow and Director of Research and Innovation, African Centre for Technology Studies
- 3.30 pm – Tea break
- 4:00 pm – Key takeaways (for research agenda), and final interventions
- 4.30 pm – Closing remarks
General information for participants
Conference Venue
Holiday Inn Nairobi Two Rivers mall
Address:Off Limuru Road
Nairobi, 2256-00621 Kenya
Travel Information
To enter Kenya you must apply and obtain an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before departing.
Apply at https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
- Make sure to apply at least two weeks before you travel
- The eTA is mandatory for all foreign visitors.
- Passport holders from the following EAC countries are exempted from applying for an eTA: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
2025 Conference Travel Advisory
A Greener Conference
PEP has taken the following steps to reduce the environmental impact of this conference:
- Greatly reduced printing (replaced by digital supports)
- Distance participation for non-attending researchers via session livestreaming/recording
Program of Activities
Visit our program activity page for full details.
Participants for activities on the 9, 10 and 11 June should register with the PEP Secretariat when you first arrive for the conference activities:
| Monday - Tuesday June 9 - 10 | Wednesday June 11 | Thursday June 12 |
|---|---|---|
Training,project presentations and discussions of results In parallel group sessions: Training and Presentations |
| Policy communication Training (More details soon)
|
Contact
Aissatou Diop, Grant Administrator: aissatou.diop@pep-net.org
Richa Bansal, Director of Communications: richa.bansal@pep-net.org
