The future of Africa’s energy landscape just took a monumental leap forward. Strathmore University, a leader in sustainable energy research, has joined forces with a powerhouse network of institutions across Africa and the UK to launch the Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC). Officially unveiled on February 10, 2025, via a virtual press conference, this pioneering initiative is set to revolutionize renewable energy solutions across the continent.

Backed by a staggering £3.5 million from the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund, CEPREC is not just another research project. It’s a bold movement to tackle two of Africa’s most pressing challenges: energy access and electronic waste. With a presence in six sub-Saharan countries; Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Rwanda, and South Africa, this initiative is designed to bridge the electrification gap while championing circular economy principles.

Spearheading the Kenyan chapter of CEPREC is Dr. William Murithi, a researcher based at Strathmore University Business School. Partnering with Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC), Dr. Murithi is joined by the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Prof. Izael Da Silva, and Dr. Churchill Saoke, Director, SERC. Together, they will be part of CEPREC’s Technical Innovation and Behavioural Insights teams, working on groundbreaking solutions to repurpose end-of-life materials for microgrid development.

“As a university dedicated to Africa’s transformation, Strathmore University is proud to play a key role in this historic project,” Dr. Murithi remarked. “By leveraging circular economy principles, CEPREC will create sustainable energy solutions, build capacity, and shape the policy landscape for a greener future.”

The numbers tell a stark story. 50% of sub-Saharan Africa remains without electricity, with rural access plummeting as low as 5%. CEPREC aims to turn the tide by developing sustainable, scalable microgrids that integrate repurposed power electronics and batteries, drastically reducing energy waste and costs.

The project has taken a triple-helix approach, bringing together more than 30 partner institutions spanning academia, industry, and government to drive impactful change. It focuses on technical innovation, pioneering second-life applications for power electronics and batteries to enhance energy efficiency.

Simultaneously, behavioural insights research delves into socio-economic and cultural factors influencing energy adoption, ensuring solutions align with local needs. The initiative also prioritizes capacity building, equipping African institutions with the necessary skills and tools to lead the continent’s renewable energy transition.

Moreover, policy influence plays a crucial role, fostering collaboration with government stakeholders to develop and implement regulatory frameworks that support sustainable energy initiatives.

For Kenya, Dr. Murithi affirmed that CEPREC has established partnerships with key stakeholders, including the WEEE Center, an organization dedicated to the efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible disposal of electrical and electronic waste. This collaboration aims to strengthen research and development capabilities, enhancing CEPREC’s ability to innovate sustainable solutions while mitigating the environmental impact of e-waste.

Prof. Muyiwa Oyinlola, Director of CEPREC and Professor of Innovation for Sustainable Development at De Montfort University, emphasized the project’s far-reaching impact. “CEPREC was set up to transform the way we think about waste, turning it into opportunity, empowering communities, and driving economic transformation. This initiative will set a new benchmark for sustainable energy solutions across Africa,” said Prof. Oyinlola

The project aligns seamlessly with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By fostering interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, and on-the-ground implementation, CEPREC will empower Africa’s energy sector to become both resilient and inclusive.

Chatham House, a globally renowned think tank, is playing a crucial role in translating research into policy action. Dr. Patrick Schroeder, Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House, stressed the urgency of this shift, saying, “The transition to a circular economy is not just an environmental imperative. It requires a comprehensive international policy framework that fosters innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices across all sectors.”

As the initiative unfolds, Strathmore University stands at the heart of Africa’s renewable energy revolution. With its formidable team of researchers and an unwavering commitment to sustainable development, the university is not just witnessing history, it is making it.

Article written by Stephen Wakhu