The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition — подкаст

Electrified & Exposed Ep.1: Why Currency Risk Matters for Sub-Saharan Africa's Off-Grid Energy Future 11.05.2026 30мин

Currency risk (often referred to as FX risk) is one of the most under appreciated barriers to sub-Saharan Africa's energy transition. In many contexts it is not just a financing headache. It shapes which projects get built, which companies survive, and which communities remain without power.The Energy Talk partnered with Dr. Churchill Agutu from the Collegium Helveticum to explore this issue through the voices of the practitioners navigating it every day — developers, advisers, investors, and institutions working at the heart of the challenge. We are doing a 2 episode mini-series on the topic. In Episode 1, we zoom into the off-grid electricity sector.We speak with Daniel Komolafe, CEO and Founder of First Electric, Nigeria, and Bodunde Akinola at CrossBoundary.Daniel takes us back to First Electric's early days deploying mesh grids in rural Nigeria. He describes how the Naira moved from 300 to the dollar to 1,500 to the dollar, a fivefold depreciation, pushing his company to the verge of insolvency on a $50,000 blended debt facility. As he puts it: if they had taken a more significant loan, the company would have been totally bankrupt. It is a story many energy entrepreneurs across the continent will recognise.Bodunde brings a different lens. Drawing on his experience advising companies across frontier markets, he walks through the core solutions: hedging, tariff indexing, blended financing, and local currency financing, and is candid about where the real difficulty lies: scaling local currency financing remains the hard problem that the sector has not yet solved.Learn more about:⁠Publication on financing costs for off-grid electrification in sub-Saharan Africa⁠Collegium HelveticumFirst Electric CrossBoundary Advisory Connect on LinkedIn with:Churchill Agutu Bounde AkinolaDaniel Komolafe

Africa Minigrids Program: Global Women in Clean Energy Episode 2 02.02.2026 48мин

Valentina Guido Bergamo, Senior Associate at RMI, joins as guest host on this episode of The Energy Talk podcast recorded in Kampala, Uganda during the Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) in 2025.We discuss the role of women in Africa’s clean energy transition through the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) and the Global Women in Clean Energy Fellowship, including the launch of its first cohort across Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Zambia. This episode also features interviews with Farida Ahmed Karim, AMP Project Manager in Comoros, and Sylvie Vavizara, Regional Director at Madagascar’s Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons, highlighting leadership, community impact, and efforts to advance gender equality in the minigrid sector.The Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), led by UNDP and implemented in partnership with RMI and the African Development Bank. Some activities are also supported by the Governments of Denmark and Luxembourg. Learn more about:⁠⁠African Minigrids Program (AMP)⁠RMI Global Women in Clean Energy FellowshipEnergizing Women and Youth in Agri-Food Systems ProgramConnect with:Farida Ahmed KarimSylvie VavizaraValentina Guido Bergamo

Africa Minigrids Program: Global Women in Clean Energy Episode 1 30.09.2025 36мин

Valentina Guido Bergamo, Senior Associate at RMI, joins as guest host on this episode of The Energy Talk podcast recorded in Kampala, Uganda during the Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) in 2025. We discuss the Global Women in Clean Energy Fellowship program that recently launched its first cohort in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Zambia. This episode also includes a feature interview with Shamiso Kacelenga, Program Analyst for energy with the UNDP, Malawi Country Office.The Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), led by UNDP and implemented in partnership with RMI and the African Development Bank. Some activities are also supported by the Governments of Denmark and Luxembourg. Learn more about:Needs assessment findingsAfrican Minigrids Program (AMP)Global Women in Clean Energy Fellowship Connect with:Shamiso KacelengaValentina Guido

CAMCO’s $250M REPP 2 Fund: Building the African grid of the future 19.08.2025 41мин

In this episode of The Energy Talk, we delve into the inner workings of the REPP 2 fund, a groundbreaking initiative managed by Camco, aimed at transforming the renewable energy landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa. We welcome Ben Hugues (Fund manager of REPP 2) and Ieva Indriunaite (former head of REPP 2’s technical assistance facility), to share insights into the fund's blended finance structure, which not only mobilizes substantial investments but also prioritizes social impact and sustainability. The conversation covers key strategies for selecting projects, the challenges of navigating diverse regulatory environments, and the critical role of partnerships in driving success. We also explore exit strategies and how they balance financial returns with lasting community benefits. Tune in to discover how REPP 2 is poised to make a significant impact in providing clean, reliable energy access to millions across the continent.

Accelerating Capital Deployment in Distributed Renewable Energy: Odyssey’s Product Market Fit 01.07.2025 30мин

In this episode, we sit down with Emily McAteer, CEO and Co-founder of Odyssey Energy Solutions, one of the most influential startups in the climate tech space for emerging markets. Odyssey is transforming how Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) projects are financed, procured, and managed—especially in emerging markets across countries in Africa, and also India, Mexico, and Brazil.What began as a platform supporting DFIs like the World Bank to deploy capital into DRE projects has evolved into a robust end-to-end solution for the entire ecosystem. Today, Odyssey powers asset monitoring, equipment procurement, and most recently direct credit financing for DRE developers.Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Energy Talk Podcast01:36 Emily's Journey into the Energy Sector04:53 The Birth and Growth of Odyssey.08:41 Challenges and Evolution of Odyssey.11:11 Odyssey's Procurement and Credit Platform19:30 Global Expansion and Product Market Fit24:12 Partnerships and Future Prospects28:00 Defining Success and Failure

Direct Air Capture In Africa: Octavia Carbon’s Journey to a $5M Seed Round 11.03.2025 42мин

Register for the Included VC Africa Reimagined: VC & Beyond SummitJoin Diana Maranga, Head of Commercialization at Octavia Carbon, as she shares her unique journey from growing up inspired by environmental hero Professor Wangari Mathai to leading a pioneering direct air capture and storage company in Kenya. In this episode, Diana discusses Octavia Carbon's early stages, key growth milestones, and the complex challenges of commercializing new technology in the climate tech sector. She also delves into Kenya's advantageous position for direct air capture, the pivotal role of community engagement, and the broader implications for Africa's green transition.00:00 Introduction to Diana Maranga and Octavia Carbon00:17 Early Inspirations and Environmental Passion01:46 Career Path and Joining Octavia Carbon03:37 What is Octavia Carbon?05:17 Challenges and Growth in Direct Air Capture07:10 Kenya as a Hub for Climate Tech12:58 Commercialization and Market Challenges32:26 Community Engagement and Impact37:03 Defining Success and Avoiding Failure

Blended Finance for Impact: How GreenMax Capital is Energizing Emerging Markets 03.02.2025 43мин

In this episode, Ifechukwude 'Chude' Uwajeh, Managing Director of Blended Finance at GreenMax Capital Group, shares his professional journey from large-scale thermal power projects to clean energy advisory and fund management. He discusses the challenges of electrification in Africa, the importance of creative financing models, and the implementation of the Small Outcomes Fund aimed at energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa. Chude also highlights the necessity of blending donor and DFI capital with private capital, the pivotal role of government partnerships, and the innovative financing instruments deployed for off-grid projects. 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:29 Early Career in Project Development 01:31 Transition to Clean Energy Advisory 01:54 Role at Greenmax Capital Advisors 03:22 Challenges in Electrification 04:12 Creative Financing Solutions 04:50 Differences Between Large-Scale and Renewable Projects 11:30 Blended Finance Explained 14:08 Greenmax's Fund Management and Initiatives 34:39 Government Partnerships and Success Stories 41:09 Defining Failure and Future Goals

Meet The Team: Bonus Episode 29.01.2025 6мин

Quick and casual check with the team behind the podcast on our plans for the year. Sign up for our newsletter (we have not yet changed the name): https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-here

The Earthbond Approach: Transforming Energy Access Through Innovation 20.01.2025 44мин

In this episode of The Energy Talk, we sit down with the CEO of Earthbond, Chidalu Onyenso, to explore the company’s innovative approach to solving Nigeria’s energy crisis through solar energy solutions tailored for SMEs. We explore Earthbond's mission, financing models, and the challenges of scaling renewable energy solutions in underserved regions. The episode also takes a detailed look at Earthbond’s potential role in the emerging African carbon market, discussing how solar energy projects can generate carbon credits and unlock new revenue streams for businesses. Listeners will gain insights into the intersections of energy access, climate finance, and sustainable growth in Africa. Learn more about Earthbond: https://earthbond.co/ Subscribe to our Clean Energy Africa newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-here

Asset Financing: How Payhippo is making solar products affordable 21.10.2024 38мин

Dami Olawoye joins us as we explore his remarkable career as a finance veteran turned clean energy champion and his role in revolutionizing solar energy financing in Nigeria as the CEO of Payhippo. From a big four-chartered accountant to leading a startup, our guest shares how his organization has raised $5 million to tackle Nigeria's electricity challenges with solar solutions. Subscribe to our Clean Energy Africa newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-here

The African Mini-Grid Program: Mobilizing Catalytic Finance Episode 2 07.10.2024 36мин

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. The first episode in the series: https://theenergytalk.simplecast.com/episodes/amp-ep-1 For feedback and inquiries please reach out to the podcast team: energytalkpodcast@gmail.com

Investing Equity in African Infrastructure: InfraCo Africa’s $300M Journey 11.09.2024 33мин

Subscribe to our Clean Energy Africa newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-here 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.

The African Mini-Grid Program: Mobilizing Catalytic Finance Episode 1 28.08.2024 40мин

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: energytalkpodcast@gmail.com

State of The African Minigrid Business: INENSUS GmbH 22.07.2024 36мин

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 here: https://bit.ly/4cPNqg2

Creating an African Clean-Tech Unicorn: Arnergy Solar Company 16.07.2024 48мин

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.

Empowering The Last Mile: SolarAid’s Unique Model to Scaling Energy Access. 29.04.2024 38мин

In this episode, we explore SolarAid's visionary work under CEO John Keane, aiming to deliver sustainable energy solutions to remote African communities. Focused on last mile areas, SolarAid's unique model tackles energy poverty while empowering communities with clean, affordable energy access. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, SolarAid is reshaping energy accessibility in Africa, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future continent-wide.

The GridCrux Story: How one Energy Entrepreneur is Democratizing Energy Access in Nigeria 18.03.2024 38мин

In this episode, we speak to Mojola Ola, a Nigerian-based energy entrepreneur about how his company, GridCrux, is channeling its core ethos of value-add to democratize energy access for thousands of Nigerians. We delve into his roots, entrepreneurial journey, innovations, and failures in a bid to uncover what it takes to thrive as an energy entreprenueur in Africa's largest market.

De-risking Procurement and Financing to Accelerate Scale for Renewable Energy Companies in Nigeria 22.02.2024 29мин

Doing business in Nigeria is often fraught with challenges, especially on an operational scale amidst business models that involve cross-border transactions. In this episode, we speak to Justin Tinsey, the Vice President of Procurement, about Odyssey Energy Solution's innovative framework to de-risking procurement through its partnerships and systems, as well as financing through its DART and better payment programs.

Funding Climate Impact with Persistent Capital 02.02.2024 1ч 1мин

Climate venture building is a concept that is not very common within sub-Saharan Africa. In this episode, we interview Tobias and Wairimu from Persistent Energy, a company deploying "persistent" financial and human resource capital to result in climate impact along energy, agriculture, mobility, and the circular economy. We talk about Persistent's venture building model, investment ethos, recent exits, as well as its role as a fund advisor to other investment entities.

Distributed Energy For People & The Planet Ep. 8: Rethinking Policy and Finance for Distributed Renewables 22.12.2023 1ч 1мин

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.