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Session chair:  Dr. Camille de Garidel-Thoron, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille (France)

Individual contributions 

Prof. Ismail Kone, University Peleforo Gon Coulibaly de Korogho (Ivory Coast) online

Bridging African and European Approaches for Climate Finance Transparency and Sustainable Land Management

This contribution explores innovative pathways for strengthening African-European collaboration on climate finance transparency and sustainable land management. Drawing from Côte d’Ivoire’s experience in implementing its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and revising its National Adaptation Plan (NAP), the presentation highlights lessons learned in designing Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems for climate finance. The Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) in Côte d’Ivoire provides a case study of how practical methodologies—such as the Rio Marker system—can improve the tracking and accountability of climate-related funding. Beyond finance, the session addresses the intersection between sustainable land use, soil management, and resilience to climate change. Building on field experiences in northern Côte d’Ivoire, where farmers face soil degradation and climate-related losses, the contribution emphasizes the importance of integrating local knowledge with international frameworks. The discussion seeks to identify joint African-European solutions to climate and environmental challenges through capacity building, data transparency, and inclusive policy processes. By linking financial transparency with sustainable land management, this contribution demonstrates how cross-regional collaboration can support climate-resilient agricultural systems, sustainable cities, and effective adaptation strategies.

Phd student Ayda Farhati , University of Sfax, Sfax (Tunisia)

Research dynamics and innovations in the circular economy of Li-ion batteries for electric vehicles

This study investigates circular economy strategies for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric vehicles (EVs), focusing on recycling and second-life applications. Combining bibliometric and patent analyses from 2015 to 2024, it examines both scientific trends and technological innovations. Bibliometric data from Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect reveal growing attention to sustainability frameworks, while patent data from Lens.org highlight engineering-driven advances in battery design, thermal management, and materials recovery. Cooccurrence mapping identifies emerging innovation clusters. By bridging academic insights and industrial practices, this study reveals a growing convergence that informs sustainable battery lifecycle management and supports energy transition goals through reduced dependence on critical raw materials and enhanced resilience in electric mobility systems.

Dr. Célia das Eiras Ludovina Dgedge Melo, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo (Mozambic)

Bioenergy in Mozambique: Potential of Sorghum and Castor Seeds for Sustainable Biofuels

Mozambique's energy sector relies heavily on bioenergy, particularly biomass, which dominates household energy consumption and contributes to environmental challenges like deforestation. This paper examines the current use of bioenergies, focusing on fuelwood, charcoal, bagasse, and residues, and analyzes associated greenhouse gas emissions. It identifies fuelwood as the primary bioenergy form and carbon dioxide (CO2) as the gas with the highest direct emissions, though methane (CH4) contributes significantly to CO2-equivalent impacts. Correlations between bioenergy production/consumption and emissions highlight the need for sustainable practices. The potential of sorghum for ethanol and castor seeds for biodiesel is explored as alternatives, with projections indicating scalable production if yields are optimized. Drawing on FAO STAT data from 2011–2021, this study projects commodity outputs and biofuel yields, emphasizing their role in Mozambique's energy transition. Policies and technological advancements could enhance sustainability, reduce emissions, and support rural development, aligning with global renewable goals.

Questions for the audience

• How can we respond to the environmental and societal challenges posed by the climate crisis through transregional and interdisciplinary cooperation, between the Global North and the Global South? 
• What lessons can be drawn from Côte d’Ivoire’s NDC and NAP processes for cross-regional policy implementation? 
• How can sustainable land use and soil management practices be scaled through African-European partnerships?
• What challenges do you see in scaling up sustainable management of EV batteries in your region or field?
• What are the main challenges in transitioning from traditional biomass like fuelwood and charcoal to sustainable biofuels such as ethanol from sorghum in Mozambique?
• What environmental and social benefits could arise from integrating castor seed biodiesel into Mozambique's energy transition strategy? 
• How do correlations between bioenergy consumption and emissions highlight the need for sustainable practices in rural areas? 
• What technological advancements, like efficient stoves or improved conversion efficiencies, are essential for making biofuels from sorghum and castor more viable? 
• In what ways can Mozambique leverage its abundant land and water resources to become a leader in biofuel production in Africa?