The 2025 Summer School hosted by the African Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Operations in Resource Management and Food Supply (CSO) brought together students, faculty, and sustainability professionals for an intensive five-day learning experience focused on one of the most pressing global issues: sustainable energy in developing nations.
Held at the Confucius Institute, University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) from May 19th to 23rd, the summer school was themed “Empowering Communities: Sustainable Energy in Developing Nations.” It offered a dynamic mix of lectures, discussions, and field experiences.
Day 1: Laying the Foundation
Dr. Erick Mkwizu opened the academic program with an introduction to the core concepts of sustainability and energy sustainability. Participants gained foundational knowledge of renewable energy technologies, culminating in a summary session and a welcome dinner that fostered networking among attendees.
Day 2: Economics and Data-Driven Approaches
Prof. Günter Lang introduced participants to the economic perspectives of sustainability, including valuation methods like contingency valuation and hedonic pricing. His second session focused on how data applications can enhance energy sustainability, illustrating real-world use cases and tools.
Day 3: Innovation and Efficiency
Led by Prof. X.N. Iraki and Prof. Ulingeta Mbamba, the third day addressed energy entrepreneurship, home energy efficiency, and university-level innovation. The day also included a guided university tour, giving participants insights into the host institution’s sustainability initiatives.
Day 4: The Future of Energy
From discussions on emerging issues in energy entrepreneurship to a compelling session on the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s impact on energy systems, participants were exposed to future-oriented perspectives. The day ended with a cross-national discussion on sustainability programs in Tanzania, Germany, and Kenya.
Day 5: Cultural Connection and Closing
The final day featured a city and museum tour of Dar es Salaam, offering a cultural backdrop to the academic content. A brief closing ceremony followed, wrapping up the week’s learning and connection-building.
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