We’re excited to share the latest CleanTech Africa episodes of The Energy Talk, featuring a deep dive into the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) and the women advancing clean energy access across the continent.
The conversation were recorded on the sidelines of the Energy Access Investment Forum 2025 in Kampala and introduces listeners to leadership stories emerging from AMP countries.
Across two episodes, we spotlight four women working at the intersection of policy, program implementation, and leadership, sharing practical insights on advancing inclusion, strengthening technical capacity, and expanding renewable energy access in underserved communities.
Malawi and Women in Energy Leadership
Episode 1 explores leadership, representation, and clean energy implementation in AMP countries.
- Shamiso Kacelenga, Program Analyst for Energy at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malawi Country Office, reflects on her journey into the energy sector and her work supporting AMP implementation in Malawi. She discusses the critical role women play in accelerating Africa’s energy transition and offers practical advice for those entering the field.
- Valentina Guido Bergamo, Senior Associate at RMI and guest host of the episode, explores the importance of empowering women leaders to drive inclusive energy transitions. She highlights RMI’s Global Women in Clean Energy Fellowship in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Zambia and reflects on the broader role of leadership development in advancing clean energy across AMP countries.
Comoros and Madagascar: Inclusion Through Implementation
In Episode 2, the focus shifts to implementation on the ground, highlighting how technical capacity building and inclusion intersect in rural and island contexts across AMP countries.
- Farida Ahmed Karim, Comoros’ Project Manager with the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP), shares insights from overseeing AMP activities in Comoros. She discusses how the program identifies income-generating opportunities in rural communities, strengthens productive use of energy, and builds balanced team cultures that value both initiative and collaboration.
- Sylvie Vavizara, Regional Director at Madagascar’s Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons, outlines initiatives designed to increase women’s participation in renewable energy. She reflects on technical training programs that equip women to operate solar systems, contribute to local energy markets, and strengthen long-term capacity within their communities.
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.