Let's Talk Energy Podcast

In this episode, Elsa Strydom, Interim Head of South Africa's IPP Office, explores how independent power producers are expanding electricity access in a constrained grid environment. From new procurement rounds in renewables, gas, and battery storage to local job creation and training opportunities, she highlights how the IPP Programme is driving a fair and sustainable energy future — recorded dur...

In this episode of the Africa Energy Forum Podcast, Stuart MacWilliam, Chief Development Officer at Mulilo , explores the journey of scaling renewable energy projects from concept to commercialisation. From navigating regulatory and permitting challenges to structuring innovative PPAs and financing models, he shares how Mulilo delivers utility-scale projects while building lasting community partne...

In this episode of Let's Talk Energy , Rentia van Tonder, Head of Power, and Aadil Cajee, Head of Energy & Infrastructure Finance at Standard Bank CIB, discuss how finance is evolving from a transactional role to a strategic driver in Africa's energy transition. From shaping inclusive and climate-resilient energy systems to embedding ESG principles that create real community value, they share...

In this episode, Zaheer Khan, Regional Director for South Africa at Trina Solar MEA, explores how Trina Solar is supporting Africa's energy transition through large-scale solar projects and partnerships. From supplying PV modules for South Africa's REIPPPP to collaborating with local developers, he shares how innovation and collaboration are expanding access to clean, reliable power across the con...

In this episode, Cobus van Schalkwyk, Director of Global Mining and Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa, discusses how on-site biogas and industrial bio-digesters are transforming power for Africa's remote mining operations. He explains how flexible, low-emission power systems are reducing reliance on diesel, cutting costs, and providing sustainable off-grid energy solutions. Cobus a...

In this episode, Weiwei Du, Head of Middle East and Africa at Tongwei Solar, discusses the company's growing role in advancing solar energy across the MEA region. From supplying 1.175 GW of modules to ACWA Power in Saudi Arabia, to co-developing the 140 MW Doornhoek project in South Africa, Du shares how Tongwei's expansion strategy is aligning with regional goals for clean power and net-zero. She...

In this episode, Alexandra Cluver, Partner at Bowmans, discusses how South Africa's Wholesale Electricity Market is reshaping the country's power sector. From the introduction of the new Market Code and its impact on independent power producers to the evolution of power purchase agreements, she explains how a liberalised market is creating investor confidence and new opportunities for private sect...

In this episode, Dietmar Siersdorfer, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa at Siemens Energy, discusses the evolving role of gas in Africa's energy transition and why 2025 is a pivotal moment for the sector. From integrating gas with renewables to delivering reliable, affordable power, Dietmar shares insights on investment trends, innovative hybrid models, and how gas-to-power can help...

In this episode, Ronald Chindeka, Head of Investment and Funding at Pele Green Energy, explores the rise of battery energy storage in Africa and how to finance it at scale. From lessons learned on the €84 million Kolda project to new models leveraging Africa's mineral wealth, he shares strategies to overcome capital barriers and accelerate clean energy deployment across the continent.

In this episode, Zandile Hlatywayo, Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy at Allied Talent Partners, shares why Africa's people are the continent's most powerful energy resource. From tackling the silent crisis of talent access to building a borderless, skills-first ecosystem, she explains how ATP is reshaping project outcomes and creating new opportunities for Africa-based professionals in the ener...

In this episode, Youri Harel, Head of Specialised Finance at Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) discuss how innovative financing solutions are driving Africa's energy transition. From funding renewable energy projects in emerging markets to supporting the development of gas, critical minerals, and green hydrogen, MCB shares its approach to balancing sustainability with scale. We explore the role of s...

In this episode, Ed Stumpf, Investment Director at African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) , explores how private capital is shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure across the continent. From net-zero energy solutions to the critical role of minerals in the energy transition, Ed shares AIIM's approach to unlocking transformative impact in Africa's energy and digital sectors, des...

Callixte Kambanda talks to John Hamilton about the partnership between AfDB and World Bank Group that aims to provide 300 million people in Africa with electricity access by 2030, and the reforms and enabling environments needed to encourage private sector involvement. He discusses his support for the power pools and the importance of working at a regional level for harmonised regulatory framework...

Ranked top in Wood Mackenzie's 2024 solar PV manufacture rankings, Hadyr Koumakpai, General Manager Africa, JA Solar, talks to Tony Tiyou about sustainability, progression, and reliability, why innovation is not just about technology, and the importance of an international mindset. Plus, what it means to be a vertically integrated company, ESG, and the need for greater integration between gov...

Amyn Mussa from ALN Kenya talks to John Hamilton about the growth of private sector-led investment in East Africa, the opportunities brought by the green transition, and the challenges for governments with worsening balance sheets. He discusses regulatory reforms, utility restructures, the importance of state off takers, and why transition and distribution must go hand-in-hand with the generation...

Richard Nelson, Coordinator at Power Africa, talks to George Hudson about the first few months in his new role at Power Africa, and the launch of the Empower West Africa (EWA) Activity. He discusses how Power Africa is working to support private sector investment in transmission projects, the role of government, and the increasing effectiveness of the regional power pools, He also talks about the...

ATIDI's Obbie Banda takes time out in the middle of a busy aef to talk to George Hudson, sharing the excitement of the collaboration with Globeleq. He discusses the significance of the RLSF MOU signed with Kenya, the importance of derisking projects for lenders and developers, expectations for the next five years, the importance of sharing success stories - and fantasy football!

Rim Azirar talks to Marc Howard about SunFunder, its work over the last 12 years in the renewable space in Africa, joining forces with Mirova, and the launch of the Mirova Gigaton Fund. Also in the discussion; distributed renewable energy, C&I financing for small as well as large-scale projects, the company's work in the mini grid space and the potential for e-mobility.

Shirley Webber talks to Jon Marks about the pace of projects, an explosion of activity in the C&I space, and private financing in transmission and infrastructure. Plus, trends, battery storage, progress on RFPs, mining and power traders, cross border trade, and using Africa's resources to help Africa grow.

Sarvesh Suri, Director, IFC, talks to John Hamilton about defining energy as a priority and the World Bank and AfDB's initiative to achieve 300 million connections in Africa by 2030. With recent projects both on and off grid, he discusses the importance of attracting private sector investment, and how a shift in approach and the expansion of MIGA's role will help create solutions on a country-by-c...

Olivier Pognon, together with Gadi Taj Ndahumba, talks to George Hudson about his background, the unique role of the ALSF, and how its services to the government are more necessary and in demand than ever. He discusses the excessive debt burden incurred by African countries, the need for more equitable agreements, and the role of the ALSF as a facilitator, educator and protector. Gadi highlights n...

Grace Waswa hears from Ayobami Adedinni, Founder, The Energy Intelligence, about the power of storytelling, and how, as a young journalist in Nigeria, he was inspired to launch his own media organisation for the renewable energy sector.

Lucy Mutuku talks to Grace Waswa about finding purpose, her passion for youth empowerment and the role of the National Youth Caucus in Africa. Find out why more young people should venture into entrepreneurship – and why believing in yourself is so important.

In a brilliant conversation with Grace Waswa, Lucy Nyoike explains the background and mission behind GEAPP, the impact of energy poverty on lives, and the GEAPP projects set to address this. Lucy also talks about women in energy, the importance of partnerships and collaboration – and has inspiring advice for young people.

Tune in to hear from Deline Ramiro in conversation with Grace Waswa as she discusses her work in the Kakuma refugee camp. A refugee herself, Deline talks about the importance of teaching digital skills to help build lives and create livelihoods. Find out how energy and power affect her work and the lives of those around her, what motivates her and what advice on leadership she has for other young...