As Project Coordinator of AMP Mauritania, Khairy has a significant role in providing universal electricity to 200 small, rural villages. Thirty of those communities are part of the initial AMP pilot, and 170 are part of the scaling phase. He places a lot of value on the productive use of energy and leveraging electricity to power schools and other services that can improve social well-being, bolster livelihoods, and boost local economies.
Each month, the Africa Minigrids Program aims to spotlight an individual from one of the participating countries working tirelessly to advance the initiative at the regional or national level.
As November’s Champion of the Month, Mohamed Khairy ELGHABED works as a Knowledge Management Advisor in Renewable Energy with UNDP Mauritania while supporting the AMP national project.
Q: What’s your story—how did you end up working in the clean energy industry?
A: I headed the first national office specializing in electricity, particularly renewable energy.
Q: Briefly describe your role and involvement with AMP so far.
A: I am the coordinator of the Cell for the Promotion of Renewable Energies and Rural Electrification (CPERER), the implementing entity of the Rural Electrification Program for Isolated Areas in Mauritania (PERZI), an initiative affiliated with the AMP.
Q: What excites you most about the potential of AMP, specifically in your country?
A: Exchange of experience with the AMP to better succeed in the implementation of PERZI.
Q: What is one thing you want people to know about minigrids and access to electricity?
A: The Gena must know that access to electricity is a catalyst for integrated local development. Access to electricity alone is not enough, but the emergence of income-generating activities must accompany access to other basic services.
