ConnectExperts

Elinah Chanda

Affiliation: 

Position: Director

Country of Residence: Zambia

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Gender Equality

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Climate Justice

Sector in which expertise is applied: NGO/Charity

Country of experience: Zambia

Summary of experience: Driven by renewable passion, I lead a green club at school and am director at Elichi greens where we make briquettes and empower young women and youths. My journey is sustainability, education and impact.

Contact

echanda458@gmail.com

 

Soustain Chigalu

Affiliation: Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi

Position: President

Country of Residence: Malawi

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Business Models, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar):  Technology, Business Models, Climate Justice

Sector in which expertise is applied: Technology, Business Models, Climate Justice

Country of experience: Industry

Summary of experience: Expertise in EPC for solar PV.

Contact

schigalu@inflo.mw

Jean Claude Daddy Sekanyambo

Affiliation: SOLEKTRA RWANDA LTD

Position: Head of Business Development 

Country of Residence: Rwanda

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Business Models, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Business Models, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Sector in which expertise is applied: Industry

Country of experience: Rwanda

Summary of experience: An accomplished professional with a decade of experience in sales, marketing, and business development within the solar energy sector. Skilled in building client relationships, driving revenue growth, and implementing strategic initiatives. Known for strong negotiation skills, market analysis, and a commitment to promoting renewable energy solutions.

Contact

daddyclaude139@gmail.com

Pascal Damian

Affiliation: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

Position: Technical Advisor / Component Coordinator

Country of Residence: Malawi

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Business Models, Financing

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar):  Technology, Financing

Sector in which expertise is applied: Development Cooperation

Country of experience: Malawi

Summary of experience: International Professional in Productive Use of Energy and Distributed Generation with experience in various Sub-Saharan African countries with focus on Business Models and Access to Finance.

Connect with Pascal on LinkedIn

Contact

pascal.damian@giz.de

Damascène Gashumba

Affiliation: Clean Cooking

Position: Vice Chairperson

Country of Residence: Rwanda

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Financing

Sector in which expertise is applied: NGO/Charity

Country of experience: Rwanda

Summary of experience: I am a PhD holder in environment Management, and I have worked in the sector of clean cooking for more than 18 years. My organisatoion Rural Environment and Development Organisation(REDO) is distributing improved cookstoves in five districts of the country where we are targeting to distribute 500,000 improved cook stoves. 

Contact

damasgashumbA@gmail.com

Chrispin Gogoda

Affiliation: Mzuzu University

Position: Lecturer in Renewable Energy Systems

Country of Residence: Malawi

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation):  Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality

Sector in which expertise is applied: Academia

Country of experience: Malawi

Summary of experience: I have experience in renewable energy technologies, gender equity and social inclusion, feasibility studies, design and installation of renewable energy technologies, electric cooking and renewable energy for development.

Contact 

gogoda.c@mzuni.ac.mw

Sylvie Isingizwe

Affiliation: Energy Private Developers/ Africa Energy Services Group Ltd

Position: Head of Research and Professional Services 

Country of Residence: Rwanda

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Business Models, Regulatory Policy

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy

Sector in which expertise is applied: Industry

Country of experience: Rwanda

Summary of experience: 

A mechanical engineer and renewable energy professional with a Masters degree in renewable energy. Extensive experience, having worked with both national and international organisations including Government bodies(Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), Ministry of Infrastructures, Ministry of Environment, Rwanda Energy group), civil society ( UNECA, GIZ, Enabel, Gogla, the European Union-Africa Union project on Long Term Partnership in  Renewable Energy), financial institutions (World Bank, Africa Development  Bank, Development Bank of Rwanda )and Energy Private Developers. 

She specializes in project coordination and management, with a focus on clean energy mini-grids, methane gas, geothermal energy, energy efficiency,  and clean cooking technologies. She is dedicated to problem-solving and continuous self-development. Her passion lies in sustainable development through the implementation of renewable energy solutions.

Connect with Sylvie on LinkedIn

Contact

isingizwe70@gmail.com

Silwimba Jonas

Affiliation: MEIZ

Position: Renewable energy Advisor  Biogas and solar irrigation systems 

Country of Residence: Zambia

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Gender Equality

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Social and Economic Impact

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar):  Technology, Business Models, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality

Sector in which expertise is applied: NGO/Charity

Country of experience: Zambia

Summary of experience: Capacity building through technical training and creating awareness and policy influences on the Development and deployment of the OFGRID renewable energy solutions. With over 8 years of experience in this sector and the development of systems for the sustainable adoption of bioenergy technologies in Zambia.

Contact

jms.jona@gmail.com

Sylvia Makupe Ndalama

Affiliation: MUST

Position: Part-time Lecturer

Country of Residence: Malawi

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology

Sector in which expertise is applied: Academia

Country of experience: Malawi

Summary of experience: I am a holder of a bachelor’s degree in Chemical engineering and I completed my masters degree in Renewable Energy Engineering from the University of Rwanda. I am interested in research and renewable energy project designing and implementation. My areas of research interest include renewable energy storage, distributed generation, mini grids systems and renewable energy integration.

Contact

silimakupe@gmail.com

Christopher Mambwe

Affiliation: The University of Zambia 

Position: Demonstrator/ Tutor

Country of Residence: Zambia

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Regulatory Policy, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Sector in which expertise is applied: Academia

Country of experience: Zambia

Summary of experience: Christopher Mambwe holds a BSc Ed in Physics and MSc in Physics, specializing in renewable energy. His research focuses on solar mini-grids and energy policy, particularly mini-grid encroachment regulations. He has also received professional training from RES4Africa, enhancing his expertise in sustainable energy solutions.

List of keywords:
Mini-grids, Mini-grid regulations, Mini-grid encroachment, Mini-grid encroachment regulations, Main grid encroachment, What happens when main grid arrives.

Connect with Christopher on LinkedIn

Contact

mambwechris099@gmail.com

Bwalya Manjoni

Affiliation: Embedded Generation Resources LTD

Position: Energy Systems Engineer 

Country of Residence: Zambia

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing

Sector in which expertise is applied: Industry

Country of experience: Zambia

Summary of experience: 

I have served as lead Design Engineer on solar PV projects from as large as 300kW to as small as 5kW.

At MBHE African Power Zambia, I currently design megawatt scale projects.

At Embedded Generation Resources LTD, I lead system design, financial modelling, project management, pre-feasibility studies and feasibility studies for large solar PV projects.

Connect with Bwalya on LinkedIn

Contact

bwalyamanjoni@gmail.com

Shallirosena Mbwette

Affiliation: Energy Expert 

Position: Development Consultant 

Country of Residence: Rwanda

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar):  Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Sector in which expertise is applied: Consultant

Country of experience: Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Togo 

Summary of experience: International Professional in Productive Use of Energy and Distributed Generation with experience in various Sub-Saharan African countries with focus on Business Models and Access to Finance.

Connect with Shallirosena on LinkedIn

Contact

shallirosena.mbwette@outlook.com

Brave K Mhonie 

Affiliation: SOlarAid/SunnyMoney

Position: General Manager

Country of Residence: Malawi

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Business Models

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Business Models

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Business Models

Sector in which expertise is applied: Industry

Country of experience: Malawi

Connect with Brave on LinkedIn

Contact

brave.mhonie@sunnymoney.org

Richard Mori

Affiliation: MeshPower Ltd

Position: Founder & CEO

Country of Residence: Rwanda

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing

Sector in which expertise is applied: Industry

Country of experience: Rwanda

Summary of experience: Worked in the solar industry, both on and off grid, for over 10 years. Experience in private industry as well as consulting for clients including the World Bank and UN

Contact

r.mori@meshpower.co.rw

Katakwala Mwandila

Affiliation: Ndkay Zambia Limited/ ZARENA

Position: CEO

Country of Residence: Zambia

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Sector in which expertise is applied: Industry

Country of experience: Zambia

Summary of experience: Ndkay Zambia Limited works in Solar Productive Use of solar coldchain and solar irrigation systems. The company is a pioneer of solar coldrooms in zambia having completed product development in 2018. To date, 18 solar coldrooms have been installed across the country. Our company has worked with UN and International NGOs supporting smallholder farmers in post harvest loss mitigation.

Contact

katakwala@ndkayzambia.com

Emmanuel NDAGIJIMANA

Affiliation: EPD Staff

Position: Head of Business Development

Country of Residence: Rwanda

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Business Models

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar):  Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy

Sector in which expertise is applied: NGO/Charity

Country of experience: Rwanda

Summary of experience: Emmanuel NDAGIJIMANA is a professional technologist in Mechanical Engineering, precisely in Production & Manufacturing,  and a renewable energy expert with 7 out of 9 years of working experience in the Renewable Energy Industry and member of the Institution of Engineers Rwanda, I drive sustainable solutions as EPD's Head of Business Development. Overseeing cutting-edge technologies, I evaluate feasibility, spearhead energy efficiency initiatives, and lead strategic growth efforts. Cultivating stakeholder relationships, I promote sustainable energy development, aligning with industry trends to enhance EPD's bottom line.

Contact

ndemma7@gmail.com

Diliza Nyasulu

Affiliation: REIAMA 

Position: Vice President 

Country of Residence: Malawi

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar):  Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing

Sector in which expertise is applied: Industry

Country of experience: Malawi

Summary of experience: Energy policy formulation, monitoring, evaluation and energy project management.

Contact

dilizakhafula@gmail.com

Rugamba Olivier  

Affiliation: Renewable Energy Consultant /GREENGEN Ltd

Position: Principal Consultant 

Country of Residence: Rwanda

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Business Models

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Financing

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Regulatory Policy

Sector in which expertise is applied: Industry

Country of experience: Rwanda

Summary of experience: A self-motivated, innovative and detail-orientated consultant with quantifiable work experience in the renewable energy space, with roles cutting across Technical Management, Project Management, and Project Development and Delivery. Specifically skilled in both technical and managerial fields from working on several projects in different capacities from the concept and detail of design through to implementation, handover and O&M. Exposed to working with professionals from different nationalities. Looking to help solve power needs in the African region specifically and worldwide in general.

Connect with Rugamba on LinkedIn.

Contact

Olivernizo@gmail.com

Violette Santhe

Affiliation: Bankers Without Boundaries

Position: Senior Advisor - Global Expert Group

Country of Residence: Malawi

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality

Sector in which expertise is applied: Industry

Country of experience: Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Togo , Nigeria, Malawi, Mauritius, Comoros, Mozambique, Lesotho and Kenya

Summary of experience: Experience and an extensive network in the development finance institutions, the commercial banking sector, private equity funds, and renewable power and impact investors(Malawi + United Kingdom). Thematic expertise includes renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy access, climate change mitigation and adaptation, development finance, blended finance, digital finance, sustainable finance, innovative finance and inclusive finance.

Connect with Violette on LinkedIn.

Contact

violette.santhe@bwb.earth

Juliet C Sibale

Affiliation: UNDP Malawi 

Position: Lawyer & Gender and Development Specialist 

Country of Residence: Malawi

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Regulatory Policy

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Regulatory Policy

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Business Models

Sector in which expertise is applied: Government

Country of experience: Malawi

Summary of experience: Juliet Sibale is a Gender and Human Rights Lawyer currently working with UNDP Malawi as a Gender and Development Specialist, providing technical support on mainstreaming gender in energy access, Renewable energy regulatory framework and women's economic empowerment through energy related business models. She is a seasoned rule of law and access to justice professional that has spearheaded gender integration into security, justice, rule of law sector, academia policy and legal frameworks on gender-related responsiveness. She believes in the strength of an inclusive society for meaningful development.

Contact

juliesibale@gmail.com

Serge Wilson MUHIZI

Affiliation: 

Position: Renewable Energy and Climate Expert

Country of Residence: Rwanda

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Social and Economic Impact, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Social and Economic Impact

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Social and Economic Impact

Sector in which expertise is applied: Industry

Country of experience: Rwanda

Summary of experience: Serge Wilson MUHIZI boasts a decade-long career marked by expertise in sales, marketing, and the energy sector. With four years of foundational experience in sales and marketing across diverse companies, he seamlessly transitioned into a dedicated seven-year tenure in the energy industry. During this journey, he served as an Energy Project Analyst for four years, significantly contributing to the success of numerous energy projects in the private sector. His exceptional performance propelled him into the role of Head of Membership and Partnership for two years, where he fostered strategic alliances within the Rwandan and regional energy sectors.

Currently, as Chief Executive Officer at EPD (Energy Private Developers), Serge oversees a network of 150+ companies spanning various energy sub-sectors, championing their interests and fostering a conducive business environment. His commitment to the energy sector is underlined by ongoing training in climate finance, access to the carbon market, and the evaluation of renewable energy programs from different stakeholders in the Energy Sector. Serge's journey commenced with an academic internship at the Rwanda Development Board, igniting his passion for promoting small business growth. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and an MBA, complemented by a Capacity Building Program for Research on Natural Resources and Energy in South Korea. He also pursued basic leadership courses at the Institute of National Transformation (INT).

Serge excels in project management, from conception to execution and feedback. His unwavering commitment to excellence, extensive skills, and boundless dedication continue to drive positive change in the energy sector and beyond.

Contact

muhisewilson2000@gmail.com

Aloys NTIHEMUKA

Affiliation: NESELTEC LTD

Position: Managing Director

Country of Residence: Rwanda

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar):  Technology

Sector in which expertise is applied: Private Sector

Country of experience: Rwanda

Summary of experience: 

Connect withAloys on LinkedIn

Contact

ntihemuka@neseltec.energy

Esdras NSHIMYUMUREMYI

Affiliation: Rwanda Polytechnic

Position: Deputy Principal in charge of Academics and Training

Country of Residence: Rwanda

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Sector in which expertise is applied: Academia

Country of experience: Rwanda

Summary of experience: Doctor- Engineer with experience in Renewable Energy engineering a sector. He has a strong academic background in Renewable Energy especially in Electrical power generation.  He also has more than 15 years of experience in the Energy sector as a Lecturer, consultant, researcher, supervisor, designer, implementer, planner, organizer, and manager; development and evaluation of energy policies and strategies. 

Connect with Esdras on LinkedIn

Contact

nshimesdas@yahoo.fr

Désiré Ruragaragaza

Affiliation: Legal Practice/Academic/Consultant

Position: Lecturer and Consultant

Country of Residence: Scotland

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Sector in which expertise is applied: Legal Practice, Academia, Government and the United Nations Organisation

Country of experience: Rwanda

Summary of experience: I have 23 years of legal practice, 8 years lecturing in International Energy Law and Policy at the University of Stirling and Glasgow Caledonian University, 5 years as a Senior Energy Regulatory Advisor in Rwanda and 4 years as a Consultant at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

Contact

desire.ruragaragaza@gmail.com

Nancy Serenje

Affiliation: Centre for Energy Environment and Engineering Zambia

Position: Coordinator

Country of Residence: Zambia

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Regulatory Policy, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Sector in which expertise is applied: Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Country of experience: Zambia

Summary of experience: CEEEZ partners with governments and organizations to research, evaluate, and provide policy recommendations on energy, environment, climate change, infrastructure, and engineering issues. We conduct research, development, consulting, training, and enterprise development services.

Contact

nserenje13@gmail.com

Thandiwe Tembo

Affiliation: STEC Green energy 

Position: Energy analyst & System Engineer 

Country of Residence: Zambia

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Technology, Business Models, Regulatory Policy, Financing, Social and Economic Impact, Gender Equality, Climate Justice

Sector in which expertise is applied: Industry

Country of experience: Zambia

Summary of experience:

Connect with Thandiwe on LinkedIn

Contact

thandiwetembo84@gmail.com

Jost Uwase

Affiliation: PURE

Position: Clean Cooking and Productive Use Expert

Country of Residence: Rwanda

Area of expertise (Distributed Generation): Social and Economic Impact

Area of Expertise (Minigrids): Social and Economic Impact

Area of Expertise (Standalone Solar): Social and Economic Impact

Sector in which expertise is applied: Implementing Partners

Country of experience: Rwanda

Summary of experience: Jost is a Certified Clean Cooking (CC) Specialist, with 14 years of experience in project and programme management in the fields of renewable energy, rural development, food security, agriculture, and socio-economy. He has extensive knowledge and experience in development interventions in Rwanda, and actively cooperates with different organizations to reduce poverty, improving community livelihood and enhancing social development in rural African communities

Connect with Jost on LinkedIn

Contact

jost.uwase@outlook.com