As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen South-South cooperation in the renewable energy sector, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access (GGE-EA) Programme, is organising a week-long knowledge exchange visit to Nepal for a delegation from selected African countries.
The visit will showcase Nepal’s long-standing expertise in the development, deployment, and sustainability of pico, micro, and mini hydropower systems, offering participants first-hand exposure to proven technologies, models and practices.
This exchange forms part of IRENA’s activities under the Global Initiative on Transitioning Remote Communities to Renewable Energy.
Objectives:
- Expose private sector actors from Africa to Nepal’s practical experience in developing and implementing micro and mini hydropower solutions.
- Promote cooperation between African and Nepalese private sector stakeholders, including manufacturers and developer/EPC firms.
- Foster South-South learning on technology adaptation, institutional frameworks, and sustainability models.
- Explore opportunities for technology transfer, capacity building, and long-term partnerships.
Funding
With the generous support of funding partners, including the Government of Canada, the Government of United Kingdom via Transforming Energy Access Platform, and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the programme is fully funded (excluding visa and travel insurance costs) for selected participants. This includes air tickets (economy class) and local travel, accommodation, and meals.
Who Should Apply
If you represent the private sector in one of the selected countries and are interested in participating, please complete the form below.
Selection Criteria for Participants
- Active Industry Role: Must represent a private company or cooperative directly engaged in micro/mini hydro manufacturing, EPC contracting, O&M, electromechanical equipment supply, or operations/maintenance services.
- Demonstrated Experience: Proven track record in delivering or supporting at least one micro/mini hydro project (design, construction, equipment supply, or O&M), or active involvement in related renewable energy projects in the country.
- Capacity for Knowledge Transfer: Ability and willingness to bring back lessons to their home market, e.g., through workforce training, scaling local manufacturing, or developing new partnerships with development or private sector
- Growth and Investment Orientation: Companies actively seeking to expand their MHP business line, invest in technology upgrades, or form and strengthen international collaborations.
- Commitment to Collaboration: Participants should be positioned to engage in peer-to-peer exchanges with Nepalese counterparts, including openness to joint ventures, technology partnerships, or supply chain linkages.
- Working English Proficiency: As no interpretation will be available during the visit, participants should be able to follow lectures and engage in discussions in English.
Deadline to apply: 11:59pm, GMT+4, 13 September 2025.
Apply at https://forms.gle/m8bXibYVspk9UTaP8