Eni, Rwanda partner up for a mission to decarbonize Africa

Eni, a leading integrated energy company based in Italy with a global presence, is making significant strides towards supporting the decarbonization of African countries. In a recent partnership with the government of Rwanda, Eni aims to develop innovative initiatives that focus on agriculture, forestry, technology, and healthcare. Luigi Ciarrocchi, the Head of CCUS Forestry and Agriculture Feedstock at Eni, discussed the details of this partnership in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. Eni's commitment to energy transition and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 is at the core of its strategy. Through various levers such as energy efficiency, renewables, and sustainable mobility, Eni is driving tangible actions to combat climate change. With a rich history operating in Africa since 1960, Eni has established its presence in 14 countries on the continent, making Africa a pivotal region in its global production. The partnership with Rwanda, signed on November 24th, includes cooperation agreements with various Rwandan government entities and organizations. One of the key initiatives under this partnership involves the production of quality seeds to support vegetable oil production for use in Eni's bio-refineries. This project emphasizes a vertical integration model that prioritizes the use of agricultural residues to produce biofuels without competing with the food chain. In addition to agricultural initiatives, the partnership with Rwanda also focuses on forestry conservation and healthcare. By leveraging innovative technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence, Eni and Rwanda aim to protect biodiversity in ecosystems like the Volcanoes National Park and enhance healthcare services for 1.5 million people in four districts of Rwanda. Luigi Ciarrocchi highlighted Rwanda's strategic importance as an ideal partner for Eni due to its geographical proximity to key African countries, favorable climate for agriculture, technical expertise, and focus on innovation and energy transition. The collaboration with Rwanda is poised to deliver mutual benefits and sustainable development for both parties. Looking ahead, the anticipated results of the partnership include the identification and implementation of projects in areas of common interest in a fast-track mode. Eni plans to establish a long-term presence in Rwanda by opening a branch in Kigali to further explore business opportunities and drive progress in agriculture, healthcare, and forestry protection initiatives. With a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, Eni's partnership with Rwanda sets a positive precedent for driving decarbonization and sustainable development in Africa, showcasing the potential for impactful change in the region.