If you think your company hasn't adopted AI yet, it probably has. You just haven't met it.

In this comeback episode of Renewables in Action, Tony Tiyou sits down with Simon Bransfield-Garth: Cambridge AI researcher from the neural-network days, founder of pay-as-you-go solar pioneer Azuri Technologies (around 250,000 homes powered), and now CEO of Akili AI.

Simon explains "shadow AI": the AI that gets into your business through software updates you never reviewed, and through staff pasting confidential data into free ChatGPT. He walks through a spreadsheet that gives a different answer every time it's opened, and a media company that complained about AI firms taking its content while its own journalists were handing that content over.

He also takes on the "Californian narrative" of AI. In Africa, he argues, the money isn't in replacing workers. It's in removing the friction that makes a bank account take six weeks to open. And Africa doesn't need to build foundation models to win, just as it didn't need to own the fibre-optic cables to benefit from the internet.

The takeaway for every board: assume AI is already inside, assess your readiness, and build a bottom-up opportunity matrix based on real ROI.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:09 Simon's journey: Cambridge AI, Azuri, Akili AI
04:48 Lessons from the pay-as-you-go solar waves
07:06 Why California's AI narrative doesn't fit Africa
12:24 Where AI is hiding in your organisation
15:30 Shadow AI: hallucinations, data leaks, board risk
19:46 The first steps for CEOs
24:19 Governance that scales, from a 15-person firm to a bank
25:56 Is Africa moving too slowly?
29:52 Creator or consumer: Africa's AI window
32:21 Simon's one message to African boards

Free AI readiness check: akili-ai.com

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In this edition, recorded during Morocco Energy Week, we speak with Kaushik Burman, Chief Executive of Spiro Electric Motorcycles, a company working to expand electric mobility across Africa.

Kaushik Burman is based in Dubai and brings over 20 years of experience in the energy and mobility sectors. Before joining Spiro, he held senior roles at Gogoro, leading its entry into markets such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Korea and India. He also spent several years at Shell in a variety of leadership positions across Europe and Asia. His academic background includes degrees from INSEAD, the Harvard Kennedy School, the University College of Engineering in Hyderabad, and FMS Delhi.

Under Kaushik’s leadership, Spiro is working to build a practical, scalable electric mobility solution for Africa. By deploying battery swap stations and using locally available energy sources, the company aims to make electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for everyday use. At the same time, Spiro is investing in local skills through Spiro Academy, which offers training in electric vehicle maintenance and operations. Their efforts have recently been recognised at the FT Live Africa Sustainable Futures Awards.

Key discussion points with Kaushik Burman:

• How Spiro is working with communities and partners for site deployment and energy solutions
• The role of solar and hybrid energy in rural battery swap stations
• How battery swapping is improving affordability and access
• Vision, accessibility, and training partnerships with TVETs and universities
• The evolving role of local factories as training hubs and innovation centers
• The number of trained individuals and the ripple effects on livelihoods
• How Spiro-certified technicians are expected to drive the EV ecosystem across Africa

 Connect with Kaushik Burman at Kaushik Burman

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In this episode, we have an engaging discussion with Mats Larsson, Director of the Global Energy Transformation Institute and author of eight internationally published books, including Global Energy Transformation. Mats brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable transportation and energy systems, offering a deep dive into the critical shifts shaping the electric vehicle (EV) revolution.

Key discussion points with Mats Larsson:

• The real challenges in scaling EV infrastructure and what’s needed to overcome them
• Breakthrough technologies reshaping mobility and accelerating electrification
• How electrification is transforming society beyond transportation, impacting industries and urban development
• The trillion-dollar investment landscape and the financial realities of energy transformation
• A systematic approach to tackling financial and organizational hurdles in the transition to sustainable transportation

Join us for an insightful conversation with Mats as we explore the road ahead for EVs, the role of innovation, and what it will take to create a truly electrified future.

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In this episode, we have an engaging discussion with Osaruyi Orobosa, Senior Vice President of Project Development at the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). Osaruyi brings extensive experience in leading power, heavy industry, transport, and telecom infrastructure projects across Africa, playing a pivotal role in AFC’s renewable energy initiatives.

Key discussion points with Osaruyi Orobosa:

• AFC’s acquisition of Lekela Power and its journey to becoming the largest renewable energy player in Africa
• The strategic importance of AFC's partnership with Infinity Power and how it aligns with long-term renewable energy goals
• Insights into the Morocco-UK Power Project and its potential to reshape intercontinental energy trade
• AFC’s approach to balancing energy poverty and climate change while ensuring rapid energy access through clean energy solutions
• The impact of the Red Sea Power wind farm in Djibouti, set to boost the country’s energy capacity by 50%, and the challenges of managing projects with significant national influence

Tune in to explore AFC’s vision for Africa’s renewable energy future and the opportunities and challenges they face in driving sustainable infrastructure development across the continent.

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In this episode, we feature an enlightening conversation with Ruben Mooneesawmy, the visionary CEO and Founder of Numeris and Axcel Insights. With a background in building global marketplace platforms and a regulated advisory firm, Ruben has established himself as a leader in financial modelling, valuations, and corporate finance across Africa and beyond.

Key discussion points with Ruben Mooneesawmy:

• Ruben’s leadership at Numeris, building a global financial modelling and valuation platform with a diverse, pan-African team
• Axcel Insights’ role as a licensed advisory firm, specialising in capital raises, mergers, acquisitions, and debt restructuring in Africa
• The unique competitive edge of Numeris and Axcel Insights against the Big 4 firms
• Championing African startups through investment readiness and inclusive financial solutions
• A focus on Africa’s power sector, with an emphasis on renewable energy
• The benefits of prioritising diversity and driving financial innovation across borders

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In this episode, we feature an insightful interview with Asad Mahmood, the visionary CEO and Managing Partner of Social Investment Managers & Advisors (SIMA) Funds. With a remarkable career that includes spearheading Deutsche Bank's Global Social Investment Funds for 17 years, Asad co-founded SIMA Funds in 2016, continuing his legacy of impactful investing.

Under Asad's leadership, SIMA has become synonymous with innovative impact strategies and a culture of transparency. 

Key discussion points with Asad Mahmood:

• Asad Mahmood's leadership at SIMA Funds and his role as CEO and Managing Partner
• Transition from leading Deutsche Bank's Global Social Investment Funds to co-founding SIMA Funds in 2016
• SIMA’s holistic approach to impact investing and fostering a culture of transparency and innovation
• Initiating the largest off-grid solar fund of its era in 2017
• Establishing the first code of conduct for the off-grid solar sector
• Launching the first energy access fund in response to the COVID-19 crisis
• Creating the first Green Bond targeting small to medium-sized solar developers
• Introducing groundbreaking affordable mortgage fintech in Pakistan
• Founding SIMA Impact Foundation, blending philanthropy with impact investing
• Developing Sow Good Investments, the first U.S. crowdlending platform for international impact investments

Connect with Asad Mahmood at Asad Mahmood

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In this episode, learn about the dynamic world of wind energy innovation from Afonso Faria, the visionary CEO of AFF Windservices. Join us as Afonso shares the incredible journey of his company, which has been a pioneering force in the wind energy sector since its inception in 2006.

Learn how Afonso's broad global experience and client-centric innovation paved the way for AFF Windservices, a company known for its careful approach and relentless pursuit of excellence. From navigating technological breakthroughs to customising solutions for diverse client needs, Afonso digs into the key insights and skills required for success in this ever-changing sector.

Key discussion points with Afonso Faria:

• Afonso's diverse cultural experiences and global background and how it influenced his vision and led to the establishment of AFF Windservices in 2006.
• How AFF Windservices prioritizes innovation and client-focused service, setting the company apart as a leader in the wind energy sector.
• The pivotal role of technological advancements in driving progress within the wind energy industry
• Essential skills and expertise required for individuals seeking a successful career in the wind energy sector
• AFF Windservices' tailored approach to addressing client needs
• AFF Windservices' significant role in facilitating the transition from traditional fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable energy sources
• Faria's thoughts on the future of wind energy

Connect with Afonso Faria at Afonso Faria

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 Tune in to this episode of Renewables in Action as we explore the cutting edge of renewable energy innovation with Etana Energy. Our guest, Evan Rice, CEO of Etana Energy, discusses their pioneering efforts to democratise access to renewable energy for businesses in South Africa.

Discover how Etana Energy's revolutionary electricity trading model is reshaping the energy landscape, allowing them to procure clean energy from independent producers and distribute it directly to commercial and industrial clients via the national grid.

 Key discussion points with Evan Rice:

• Etana Energy's pioneering role in increasing access to renewable energy for businesses in South Africa
• Insights into Etana Energy's innovative electricity trading model from CEO Evan Rice
• Sourcing power from independent renewable producers and supplying it directly to commercial/industrial customers using the national grid
• Groundbreaking partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, focusing on a "cluster approach" to aggregate large energy users
• Securing competitive renewable power for businesses collectively
• Evan Rice's perspective on current challenges and opportunities in South Africa's energy landscape
• Etana's future vision and plans to champion sustainable energy access nationwide
• Further growth and adoption of Etana's trading model
• Insight into how electricity trading can unlock renewable energy for businesses
• Addressing South Africa's broader energy crisis through innovative solutions

 Connect with Evan Rice at Evan Rice

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Welcome to another episode of Renewables in Action! In this episode Tony embarks on a journey to explore the vibrant landscape of renewable energy in Latin America. He uncovers the region's pivotal role in driving global sustainability through renewable energy solutions.

We kickstart our exploration by digging into the rich tapestry of Latin America's renewable energy sector. From wind and solar to hydro and biomass, we'll look at the five key clean energy sources driving the region's transformation.

But our journey doesn't stop there. We shine a spotlight on the pressing issue of energy access, a critical challenge in Latin America. Through insightful analysis, we'll uncover why addressing this challenge is critical to the region's long-term growth.

We also navigate the complex web of financing, a key driver of the sector's growth trajectory in Latin America. By understanding the nuances of financing, listeners will grasp how it shapes the future of renewable energy projects across the continent.

As we go deeper, you'll gain a thorough understanding of Latin America's renewable energy landscape and its connectivity to the global energy scenario. Our engaging discussion will provide you with the knowledge you need to navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with working in this dynamic field.

Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or simply interested in learning about Renewable Energy, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to Renewables in Action and discover how you can contribute to the growth of the Renewable Energy Industry in Latin America.

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Welcome to episode #16. In this episode, we're joined by Owusu Akoto, CEO of FreezeLink and a prominent figure in the cold chain industry, recently appointed to the Board of the Global Cold Chain Foundation (GCCF).

At the heart of our conversation is FreezeLink, a company dedicated to developing distribution for "The Next 1 Billion" in Africa, utilising innovative cold chain solutions. We explore the impact of FreezeLink's temperature-controlled transport and warehousing solutions on food security and waste reduction across the continent.

Discover how FreezeLink incorporates solar, wind, and other renewable technologies into its operations, influencing both costs and reliability.

Key discussion points with Owusu Akoto:

• What inspired your transition from a successful consulting career in London to launching FreezeLink in Ghana?
• What market needs or opportunities did you identify that fueled this significant move?
• What were the challenges of building a cold chain company in Africa with a focus on renewables?
• How has the absence of cold chain infrastructure impacted food security and waste in Africa?
• What innovative renewable energy solutions do you believe could revolutionise cold chains in developing countries?
• What other renewable technologies has FreezeLink incorporated into its operations, and how have they influenced costs and reliability?
• How can the organic waste generated from food production be harnessed to create renewable energy for powering cold chains?
• What financing or policy incentives are crucial from governments or international organisations to speed up the adoption of renewables in cold chains across Africa?

Connect with  Owusu Akoto at Owusu Akoto

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