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UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL FOUNDATION 5From left: Professor Thea van der Westhuizen (CLMS); Professor Vincent Nyamori (CAES); Professor Matthew Davies (Swansea University); and from CAES Ms Dipika Gobind; Ms Shruti Saroj and Professor Bice Martincigh.importance of integrating youth entrepreneurship into the innovation process.She said a robust, community-engaged ecosystem relied on diverse role players, each contributing distinct expertise and an innovative mindset.Said Davies: %u2018A key element of the project will be developing effective end-of-life treatment to minimise waste and maximise the circular flow of materials through reuse, refurbishment and recycling of solar modules.%u2019Martincigh highlighted that Africa was abundantly blessed with solar radiation which needed to be taken full advantage of while it also had the required biomass that could be incorporated into the PV solar cells, making them more sustainable. Currently, silicon is used extensively as our solar cell material; however, silicon is relatively expensive, involves high energy intensity and is expensive to produce,%u2019 she said.%u2018In this project, materials will be used with the emerging perovskite technology, costing less compared to manufacturing solar as well as using less energy. There will also be the incorporation of shaped carbon nanomaterials which will be produced sustainably from renewable lignocellulosic biomass %u2013 which Africa has an abundance of %u2013 and incorporated with perovskite in solar cell fabrication.%u2018In conclusion, the success of initiatives such as REACH-PSM underscores the critical importance of fostering partnerships and cultivating an inclusive, sustainable ecosystem. By bringing together diverse expertise, innovative solutions, and engaging with the community, we can drive impactful advancements in renewable energy and create lasting benefits for communities across Africa and beyond,%u2019 said Van der Westhuizen.The symposium was attended by delegates from the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Spain, India, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tanzania.