Recorded on the sidelines of the ARE Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF 2024), this episode of The Energy Talk features experts from the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) and partner institutions discussing how to mobilize catalytic finance at scale across 21 African countries. A key focus of the conversation was strengthening the local delivery of minigrids to unlock productive use and sustainable economic growth.
Delivering Minigrids for Productive Use
The first segment explores how catalytic finance can accelerate minigrid deployment and strengthen productive use of energy at the local level.
Speakers:
- Mateo Salomon, Principal Technical Advisor, Climate Change Mitigation Policy & Programming, UNDP
- Saudatu Bobboi, Program Assistant, AMP Nigeria, Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria
- Sam Sebbowa, Project Coordinator, African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR)
- Saidi Banda, Deputy Director (Off-grid Electrification), Ministry of Energy, Malawi
Financing Africa’s Energy Transition
The second segment examines the evolving financial landscape of Africa’s energy transition, including the importance of reducing reliance on grant funding and strengthening long-term investment models.
Speakers:
- Suleiman Babamanu, Nigeria Program Director, RMI
- Fauzia Chevonne, Utility Innovation and DRE Specialist, GEAPP
- Nasir Bukar Ibrahim, formerly AMP Nigeria/ Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria
- Benyoh E. Kigha Nsafon, Ph.D, Policy and Strategy Analyst, UNDP/Rome Center
