In this inspiring episode of Energy Africa Cafe, we sit down with Dr. Rebekah Shirley, Deputy Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute. We dive deep into Africa's energy landscape, discussing the critical pathways to universal energy access, a just transition, and a prosperous future. Dr. Shirley shares invaluable insights on the role of policy, the power of open data, the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow, and why political will is the bedrock of sustainable change. Whether you're a young professional, a policy maker, or simply passionate about Africa's development, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom.🗓️ Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Energy Africa Cafe and Dr. Rebekah Shirley01:34 - Dr. Shirley's Academic Journey and Motivation07:42 - Defining Prosperity and Future of Work in Africa's Energy Sector12:53 - Skills for Young Africans in the Energy Sector18:17 - Bridging the Gap: Academic Institutions and Future Jobs20:05 - Open Data and Systemic Change in Africa's Energy Transition30:49 - Challenges in Africa's Energy Transition38:31 - Lessons for Future African Energy Leaders39:31 - Fun Insights and Closing Thoughts🔗 CONNECT & LISTEN:Follow us on Youtube: @EnergyHausLinkedin: EnergyHaus 👉 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and hit the bell (🔔) to never miss an episode!#Energy #RenewableEnergy #Africa #Innovation #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #TheEnergyAfricaCafe #EnergyTransition #SDG7

Welcome to Episode 5 of The Energy Africa Café!

In this pivotal episode, we sit down with Sumaya Mahomed, Utilities Innovations and Uganda Country Director at Power for All, a leading expert driving energy equity and sustainability across Africa. We dive deep into the innovative Utility 2.0 model being pioneered in Uganda—a transformative approach designed to bridge the gap between traditional utilities and decentralized renewable energy to finally achieve universal energy access.

In this conversation, we explore:

-Introduction to Energy Challenges in Africa

-Sumaya Mahomed’s Personal Journey in the Energy Sector

-The Critical Role of Innovation & the Utility 2.0 Integrated Energy Model

-Why Community Engagement & Trust are Non-Negotiable for Success

-Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability and Impact After Projects End

-The Future of Electrification in Africa and the Skills Needed to Shape It

-Overcoming Challenges and Advice for Career Development in Energy

Featured Guest:

At Power for All, Sumaya leads efforts to test and scale innovative utility models, specializing in strategies that help utilities adopt new technologies. She led Power for All's internationally award-winning Utilities 2.0 campaign in Uganda, which received the 2023 Ashden Award for Integrated Energy Africa.

She played a crucial role in promoting an integrated energy approach in Uganda’s Energy Policy and Isolated Grid Regulations and also managed Cape Town's award-winning, internationally recognized Energy Efficiency Demand Side Management initiative.

In 2022, Sumaya was awarded the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Energy Manager of the Year by the Association of Energy Engineers.

🔗 Connect with Us:

Follow @TheEnergyAfrica on LinkedIn

Follow @TheEnergyAfrica on Youtube

Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell (🔔) so you never miss an episode! Join the conversation in the comments below!

What are your thoughts on the integrated Utility 2.0 model? How can collaboration further accelerate energy access in Africa?

In this powerful episode of The Energy Africa Café, we speak with Ifechukwude Uwajeh, Managing Director of Blended Finance at GreenMax Capital Group, who leads the €82.9M Smart Outcomes Fund under the CEI Africa Foundation—backed by KfW and SDC.

Together, we explore the financing tools, modeling strategies, and career pivots powering Africa’s clean energy transformation.

🔍 What You'll Learn:

• How Ifechukwude transitioned into the energy sector—and why passion matters

• The real-world role of financial modeling in project success

• Blended finance mechanisms explained (in plain language)

• How to structure investment-ready, bankable projects

• Career tips for professionals entering the clean energy space

• Why practical skills often matter more than certifications

Whether you’re a project developer, climate finance professional, or energy sector newcomer, this episode offers clear insights and actionable advice.

👤 About the Guest:
Ifechukwude holds an Executive MBA and a Master’s in Process Systems Engineering from Cranfield University. He’s also a Certified Expert in Climate & Renewable Energy Finance and trained in power sector regulation. His work bridges deep technical knowledge with real-world impact.

👉 Let’s Connect
Follow us on LinkedIn: The Energy Africa
More episodes on Spotify: The Energy Africa Café

📺 Watch on YouTube too - https://youtu.be/ui4zGNjsozE

#EnergyAfrica #CleanEnergy #BlendedFinance #ClimateInvestment #CareerTransition #GreenMaxCapital #FinanceForGood #AfricanEnergy

What happens when data meets development?

We chat with Barka Sajou, Co-founder at Angeles Sostenibles, about his journey from Data Analyst 📊 to Climate Finance leader 🌍.

🔥 In this episode:
🚀 His pivot from tech to finance
💰 Funding challenges in sustainable energy
🔗 Blending engineering + finance for real impact
🌍 Untapped climate finance potential in Africa
🎯 Advice for future climate finance pros

💡 Barka has:
✔️ Delivered electricity access to 2M+ people
✔️ Mobilized over $1.6B in climate investments
✔️ Helped create Africa’s first green bond
✔️ Leading gender-focused climate funds globally

Whether you're in energy, finance, policy, or just curious — this one’s for you.

🎙️ The Energy Africa Café – Real stories. Real impact.
📺 Watch on YouTube too - https://youtu.be/W6KP8fpIH7E

📌 Subscribe & Stay Updated!If you’re passionate about clean energy, sustainability, and career growth in the energy sector, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE!

📌 Follow us on LinkedIn: @TheEnergyAfrica

#ClimateFinance #EnergyTransition #AfricaEnergy #TEACPodcast #SustainableFinance #CleanEnergy #ImpactInvestment #TheEnergyAfricaCafe

Welcome back to The Energy Africa Café Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Regina Miller, Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank, to explore key insights into Africa’s renewable energy landscape, career strategies, and the future of sustainable energy.

In this episode, we discussed:

✅ Practical steps for aspiring energy professionals

❌ Common missteps in renewable energy projects

👩‍🔬 Gender inclusion in the energy transition

💡 Empowering women in the energy sector

⚡ Grassroots engagement & rural electrification

📜 Navigating policy & funding challenges

🚀 Innovative solutions & future opportunities

🎯 Career reflections and advice for energy leaders

🎧 Tune in for valuable insights and actionable takeaways to navigate the renewable energy space in Africa and beyond!

📌 Subscribe & Stay Updated!If you’re passionate about clean energy, sustainability, and career growth in the energy sector, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE!

Hit the 🔔 to stay notified about new episodes.

📢 Join the Conversation!What are your thoughts on today’s discussion? Drop a comment below and let’s talk!

📌 Follow us on LinkedIn: @TheEnergyAfrica

🎧 Available on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0yo2loPWlA

#TheEnergyAfricaCafé #RenewableEnergy #WomenInEnergy #EnergyAfrica #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #Podcast #WorldBank

🚀 Welcome to the first episode of The Energy Africa Café! 🚀

In this exciting premiere, we sit down with Lolade Abiola, Programme Manager at Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) under the United Nations Office of Projects Services (UNOPS). With a career journey that spans from aviation to energy advocacy, Lolade is at the forefront of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, working to accelerate sustainable energy solutions.

In this episode, we explore:
✈️ From Aviation to Energy Advocacy – Lolade’s unconventional journey into the energy sector
⚡ Transformative Technologies shaping Africa’s energy landscape
🔥 Innovations in Clean Cooking & E-Mobility – The future of sustainable energy access
🏭 Renewable Energy Manufacturing – What’s next for Africa’s energy industry?
📜 Political Will & Sustainable Energy Goals – How policies can drive real impact
🌍 Community Impact – The human side of renewable energy projects
🎓 Advice for Young Professionals – Breaking into and thriving in the energy space

If you’re passionate about Africa’s energy transition and the future of sustainable power, this conversation is a must-watch!

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations with Africa’s top energy leaders!

📌 Follow us on LinkedIn @TheEnergyAfrica
🎧 Available on YouTube

#EnergyAfricaCafe #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #SEforALL #ClimateAction #SustainableEnergy #Nigeria #GreenTech

The first episode of Power LeadHERs Africa Podcast highlights the career journey of Anita Otubu, Senior Director at SE4All, a leading woman in the African renewable energy sector. Anita discusses her experiences working on the Nigeria Electrification Project, the challenges she faced, and her advice for aspiring energy professionals. She emphasizes the importance of personal branding, staying updated on new developments, and gaining experience through volunteering.