By Olubunmi Olajide
5
66 ratings
The podcast currently has 103 episodes available.
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InfraCo Africa is one of the few financiers that provides equity investments in large-scale infrastructure projects in Africa. Typically investing in projects in the early stages of their development, all the way through construction and operational stages.
So far, Infraco has invested over $300 million into projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, supporting 39 projects and businesses and mobilizing over $1.5 billion. In this episode, Gilles -the group's former CEO, will talk to us about their investment mandate, the theory behind the operating model, and the notable projects that InfraCo Africa has been involved in; including the CLEAR fund which achieved its first close of $200 million and aims to close the fund at $400 million raised to invest in sustainable infrastructure projects in Africa.
Guest Bio
Before being appointed as the Private Infrastructure Developement Group's CIPDO (Chief Investment and Project Development Officer), Gilles served as CEO of InfraCo Africa for nearly 5 years, joining InfraCo Africa from Engie. With over 20 years of experience working in the private sector in the manufacturing and energy industries, Gilles’ expertise ranges from engineering, operations, and project development to strategy, business development, and investments. Gilles is passionate about socioeconomic development models that improve living standards while not compromising environmental sustainability. He has a diploma in Civil Engineering from the Catholic University of Louvain and an MBA from George Washington Business School.
Learn more about PIDG | InfraCo Africa
Connect with Gilles
For feedback and inquiries please reach out to the podcast team: [email protected]
The Energy Talk is a platform dedicated to telling the energy transition story of Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing first on the perspective of Financiers, Policymakers, and Operators devoted to pushing the continent towards a sustainable energy future.
This podcast is hosted by Olubunmi Olajide and produced by Chigozie Ubah.
Subscribe to our Clean Energy Africa newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-here
Recorded live during the Energy Access Investment Forum in May, this 2 part mini-series covers the African Mini-Grid Program (AMP). The AMP is a USD 50 million country-led technical assistance program designed to stimulate the solar-battery mini-grids market to boost electricity access in 21 countries, its mission is to enhance economic development and improve livelihoods through increased financial investment and innovative business models.
For feedback and inquiries please reach out to the podcast team: [email protected]
The Energy Talk is a platform dedicated to telling the energy transition story of Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing first on the perspective of Financiers, Policymakers, and Operators devoted to pushing the continent towards a sustainable energy future.
This podcast is hosted by Olubunmi Olajide and produced by Chigozie Ubah.
Nico joins us this week to share from his two decades of experience deploying Decentralized Renewable Energy projects, consulting governments on off-grid electrification policy, and what the emerging trends mean for financiers looking into Sub-Saharan Africa.
This episode has already been published on "The Mini-Grid Business" podcast hosted by Nico. You can listen to an exclusive part 2 linked here.
Guest Bio:
Nico is the CEO, and co-founder of Inensus - a consultancy with over 15 years of experience supporting Decentralized Renewable Energy projects and policy in Africa and Asia. He holds a degree in Power Systems Engineering from Clausthal University of Technology, Germany.
Nico has more than 16 years of professional experience in the mini-grid sector, advising development banks, governments, and investors on setting up rural electrification programs. He co-developed the award-winning MicroPowerEconomy business and risk management model for solar mini-grid electrification and the rural industrialization concept The KeyMaker Model. Nico is a juror for the German Innovation Award for Climate and Environment and a lead juror for the European Business Awards for the Environment. He is based in Goslar and speaks German and English.
Learn more about Inensus
Connect with Nico
For feedback and inquiries please reach out to the podcast team: [email protected]
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The Energy Talk is a platform dedicated to telling the energy transition story of Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing first on the perspective of Financiers, Policymakers, and Operators devoted to pushing the continent towards a sustainable energy future.
This podcast is hosted by Olubunmi Olajide and produced by Chigozie Ubah.
Arnergy is a renewable energy company providing solar solutions to residential and commercial customers. Combined, Arnergy has raised $12M in a Series A and bridge round and is now gearing up for a big Series B fundraiser. In this episode, we speak with the company's CFO, James Fabola Jr., about operating in a difficult market and exciting growth opportunities.
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Guest Bio:
James Fabola Jr. is the Chief Financial Officer at Arnergy. He is an investment and corporate finance professional with ten (10) years of experience in fundraising, due diligence, transaction structuring, portfolio monitoring, and transaction advisory.
Before Arnergy, James worked in several investment roles with Persistent Energy, Norfund (Norway’s DFI)., Synergy Capital Managers, and Development Partners International (DPI). In these roles, he led transactions across various sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, e-commerce, power, consumer goods & services etc.
James has an MBA from Insead, France, and an M.Sc in Finance and Management from Cranfield School of Management, United Kingdom. He also has a Bachelor of Technology degree in Information Technology from the Bells University of Technology.
Learn more about Arnergy
Connect with James
For feedback and inquiries please reach out to the podcast team: [email protected]
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The Energy Talk is a platform dedicated to telling the energy transition story of Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing first on the perspective of Financiers, Policymakers, and Operators devoted to pushing the continent towards a sustainable energy future.
This podcast is hosted by Olubunmi Olajide and produced by Chigozie Ubah.
SolarAid is an international development charity working alongside communities in the most rural and hard-to-reach areas of sub-Saharan Africa to tackle poverty and the climate crisis through access to clean, safe solar lights. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 7, which advocates for universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy, SolarAid is dedicated to combating global poverty and climate change by providing rural communities with access to solar lighting. As the parent organization, SolarAid wholly owns SunnyMoney, the largest distributor of solar lights across Africa. Established by Solarcentury, a UK-based solar energy company, SolarAid endeavors to illuminate every household, educational institution, and medical facility in Africa with safe and clean solar energy by 2030. Operating primarily through its social enterprise, SunnyMoney, SolarAid serves communities in Zambia and Malawi, while also collaborating with partners in Uganda and Senegal in West Africa.
Recommended Reading
Guest Bio:
In 2000, John Keane relocated to rural Tanzania as a volunteer, experiencing firsthand the hardships of living without electricity and relying on hazardous candles and kerosene lanterns for illumination. This encounter ignited his dedication to transforming this dire situation, prompting him to embark on a professional journey dedicated to effecting change across Africa. Through establishing solar projects, enterprises, and fostering innovation, John has been instrumental in addressing this pressing issue. With various roles at SolarAid and SunnyMoney, he has played a pivotal role in positively impacting the lives of over 12 million individuals.
Learn more about Solar Aid
Connect with John Keane
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The Energy Talk is a platform dedicated to telling the energy transition story of Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing first on the perspective of Financiers, Policymakers, and Operators devoted to pushing the continent towards a sustainable energy future.
This podcast is hosted by Olubunmi Olajide and produced by Chigozie Ubah.
GridCrux is a technology and power infrastrucure company that develops, engineers, finances and deploys alternative energy solutions to the unserved and underserved segments of the African continent. The company's solutions leverage existing technology, primarily multiple energy management systems, as a means of delivering optimized energy solutions and carbon reduction imperatives with a fine blend of innovative financing solutions as a catalyst for rapid acceleration of energy access across Africa.
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Guest Bio:
Mojola Ola is a proven energy professional with over a decade of leading energy infrastructure projects across West Africa. Mojola’s expertise cuts across energy management, energy efficiency, alternative energy systems, grid optimization, and automation solutions while having developed a credible track record in sales and business development to deliver organizational growth.
Previous roles include ABB, Foster Wheeler Energy, and most recently Director of Marketing, Business Development and Access to Energy at Schneider Electric covering Anglophone West Africa. Mojola has a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from Loughborough University and an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Learn more about GridCrux
Connect with Mojola Ola
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The Energy Talk is a platform dedicated to telling the energy transition story of Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing first on the perspective of Financiers, Policymakers, and Operators devoted to pushing the continent towards a sustainable energy future.
This podcast is hosted by Olubunmi Olajide and produced by Chigozie Ubah.
Odyssey's mission is to accelerate the clean energy transition in emerging markets. The Odyssey platform connects financiers, solar companies and equipment suppliers in one place to facilitate transactions, streamline processes and scale investment into distributed renewable energy. Financiers use Odyssey to source and manage deals, solar companies can access financing, equipment procurement and monitoring tools, and equipment suppliers use Odyssey to find new customers and streamline their sales process.
Recommended Reading
Guest Bio:
Justin Tinsey is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the renewable energy sector, specializing in solar and storage solutions across various markets. Currently serving as Head of Procurement at Odyssey Energy Solutions, Justin has also held key roles such as Partner at Greentech Power Solutions and CEO of Solarquick, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and business development skills. With a background in interdisciplinary studies from Michigan State University and a Master's degree in Global Development Policy from Boston University, Justin combines academic excellence with practical expertise. Justin is also certified in energy storage and photovoltaics, reflecting his commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements, especially within the most underserved geographies.
Learn more about Odyssey Energy Solutions
Connect with Justin Tinsey
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The Energy Talk is a platform dedicated to telling the energy transition story of Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing first on the perspective of Financiers, Policymakers, and Operators devoted to pushing the continent towards a sustainable energy future.
This podcast is hosted by Olubunmi Olajide and produced by Chigozie Ubah.
Founded in 2010, Persistent Energy is Africa’s Climate Venture Builder and a leading investor. The company provides essential support including finance, strategic guidance, governance, technical and legal expertise to early-stage companies committed to creating sustainable impact. They have developed and deployed an interesting venture building model that fills in critical resource gaps for early-stage companies innovating across sustainable energy, mobility, agriculture, and circular economy.
This episode is presented by Okra Solar, to learn more about Okra visit okrasolar.com
Recommended Reading
Guest Bios:
Tobias Ruckstuhl is the Managing Partner of Persistent. Tobias brings extensive experience in investing and building companies in frontier markets, with over 10 years background of living and working in Sub-Saharan Africa, having spent large parts of his early youth in rural Africa and later worked in finance and logistics, and as an entrepreneur in Central Africa. He continued his career in Europe in management consulting at Accenture in Switzerland, a global consulting company, specializing in digital and technology consulting, and subsequently joined Persistent in early 2018. Tobias holds a Masters in International Affairs from the University of St. Gallen as well as a bachelor's in business & economics. He is also a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) charter holder.
Wairimu Karanja is Partner and Chief Legal Officer at Persistent Energy Capital LLC. She is dedicated to advancing Africa's sustainable development in renewable energy, climate impact, and gender inclusion. With over 12 years of legal experience, she specializes in energy and natural resources, infrastructure development, and private equity. Prior to her current role, Wairimu founded W&Co|Law & Policy and holds a Post-Graduate Master of Law (LLM Distinction) in Energy Law and Policy. She is actively involved in industry initiatives, including co-organizing the East Africa International Arbitration Conference, and is a member of various professional associations. Engaging in pro-bono advisory work, Wairimu contributes to sustainable development and mentors young professionals.
Learn more about Persistent
Connect with Tobias and Wairimu
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The Energy Talk is a platform dedicated to telling the energy transition story of Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing first on the perspective of Financiers, Policymakers, and Operators devoted to pushing the continent towards a sustainable energy future.
This podcast is hosted by Olubunmi Olajide and produced by Chigozie Ubah.
In the eighth and final episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we are joined by Henok Assefa - Founder and Managing Partner at PRECISE, and Dr. Paul Yillia - COO and Technical Advisor, TENN to find out how policy design and finance go hand-hand in ensuring that farmers in rural communities can afford their energy needs for their agricultural production.
This series is hosted by Marilyn Smith of the Energy Action Project (EnAct) and produced in collaboration with Global SDG7 Hubs.
Guest Bios:
Henok Assefa is the Chief Executive Officer of Precise Consult International in Ethiopia and is also the founder and principal.
Paul T. Yillia (Dr. techn.) is a development consultant with expertise on cross-cutting issues and technical implementation of development programs at the water and energy nexus with climate, development, and social infrastructure (healthcare, livelihoods, education, agri-value, WASH, etc.). He is Senior Technical Advisor to the Chairman, of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (C-REF), Sierra Leone. Previously, he was the Programme Manager and Lead Policy Specialist on cross-cutting issues at Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).
Learn more about SELCO Foundation | EnAct | Global SDG7 Hubs
Connect on LinkedIn: Marilyn | The Energy Talk | Global SDG7 Hubs | EnAct
Follow on Twitter: The Energy Talk | Global SDG7 Hubs | EnAct | Marilyn Smith
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Subscribe to our newsletter
The Energy Talk is a platform dedicated to telling the energy transition story of Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing first on the perspective of Financiers, Policymakers, and Operators devoted to pushing the continent towards a sustainable energy future.
This podcast is hosted by Olubunmi Olajide and produced by Chigozie Ubah.
In the seventh episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we are joined by Anshul Ojha - Founder and Principal anchor for the Desert Resource Center, and Ralph Roothaert - Principal Investigator of – Veggies 4 Planet & People (V4P&P) Project and Country Director – of Kenya Eastern and Southern Africa.
This series is hosted by Marilyn Smith of the Energy Action Project (EnAct) and produced in collaboration with Global SDG7 Hubs
Guest Bios:
Anshul Ojha is the Founder and Principal anchor for the Desert Resource Center, Leading efforts for desert partnerships, technologies, knowledge & resources for a thriving desert ecosystem.
Ralph Roothaert is the Principal Investigator of – Veggies 4 Planet & People (V4P&P) Project and Country Director – of Kenya Eastern and Southern Africa and aims to understand how vegetable production can result in diverse and healthy diets to combat malnutrition for vulnerable groups. Ralph has worked in Africa for 21 years and in Southeast Asia for 3 years. He started as a development worker with the Voluntary Service Overseas in Nigeria, then worked as an agricultural scientist with the CGIAR for 13 years (ICRAF in Kenya, CIAT in the Philippines, and ILRI in Ethiopia). After that, he became the Fund Manager of the Maendeleo Agricultural Technology Fund of Farm Africa in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, where he managed many different consortia of partner organizations, each of them focusing on the development of a particular agricultural value chain. He then joined Oxfam GB in Tanzania, where he coordinated the Economic Justice Programme, facilitating partnerships in the agricultural sector using gender market mapping approaches. Before joining World Vegetable Center he was the Associate Country Director for Oxfam GB in Tanzania.
Learn more about SELCO Foundation | EnAct | Global SDG7 Hubs
Connect on LinkedIn: Marilyn | The Energy Talk | Global SDG7 Hubs | EnAct
Follow on Twitter: The Energy Talk | Global SDG7 Hubs | EnAct | Marilyn Smith
Follow on Instagram: The Energy Talk | Global SDG7 Hubs | EnAct
Subscribe to our newsletter
The Energy Talk is a platform dedicated to telling the energy transition story of Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing first on the perspective of Financiers, Policymakers, and Operators devoted to pushing the continent towards a sustainable energy future.
This podcast is hosted by Olubunmi Olajide and produced by Chigozie Ubah.
The podcast currently has 103 episodes available.
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