Established in 1989 and operating mainly in eastern and southern Africa, the African Energy Policy Research Network (AFREPREN) aim is to bridge the gap between energy policy research and policy. Other objectives include strengthening energy policy research capacity as well as having an impact on sustainable energy policy formulation and implementation in Africa. AFREPREN pursues its objectives primarily through national and regional level energy policy research studies undertaken jointly by over one hundred African researchers and policy makers on the following themes:
- renewables and energy for rural development
- energy services for the urban poor
- energy sector reform
- short-term special studies of strategic significance to the African energy sector
AFREPREN also has a training program that delivers short executive level training courses and a joint Master´s Degree program with the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Network findings are distributed through a publication program and on the website.