Scaling Innovation to Power Africa
Side Event of the Africa Center for Energy Policy’s Annual Future of Energy Conference 2025
Event: Side event at the Future of Energy Conference 2025
Date & Time: 26th August 2025, from 12:00 GMT to 13:00 GMT
Fauzu Masawudu opened the session on Financing African-Led Innovation in Energy, with Precious Oparanozie moderating the panel discussion. The panel featured Chiemela Anosike (Solaris Green Tech Hub), Dr. Lawrence Nderu (Jomo Kenyatta University), and Kwabena-Kwakye Asomaning Moses (Palm Link Consulting Ltd.). Panelists examined innovative business models, data-driven approaches, financial instruments, and the potential of AI in decentralized clean energy systems.
Key Highlights
- Community co-creation: Chiemela Anosike emphasised involving rural communities as co-creators of energy solutions.
- Data & AI for impact: Dr. Lawrence Nderu stressed the need for robust data and AI/ML tools for optimization.
- Financing and risk mitigation: Kwabena-Kwakye Asomaning Moses recommended blended finance, green bonds, and risk instruments.
Opening Remarks & Session Overview
Fauzu Masawudu welcomed attendees and framed the session around Africa’s renewable resources and energy access challenges.
Women’s Perspective in Clean Energy Design
Chiemela Anosike emphasized designing simple, affordable technologies that empower rural women and extend productive hours.
Action Points & Recommendations
- Scale community co-creation models and prioritize women as operators.
- Develop standard data products like the Energy Need Index.
- Promote AI/ML use for forecasting and mini-grid optimization.