A highly regarded energy leader, Armando Abacar has a Master’s degree in Energy Technology and broad exposure to the Mozambican and Southern Africa energy sectors. He is experienced in power generation and transmission projects, off-grid stand-alone solar systems, solar mini-grids, and solar water pumping systems. He has experience in energy sector policy dialogue with the Government of Mozambique and other stakeholders, including development partners, NGOs, and the private sector. His accomplishments include initiating and leading the policy dialogue that led to the revision of Mozambique’s electricity law and supporting reform and modernization at EDM. He also led the technical assistance for the establishment and standing up of the National Energy Regulatory Authority.

A sought-after expert on renewable energy for rural electrification of developing countries, Gwendolyn Andersen brings more than 30 years of experience implementing energy and power sector projects in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. She has an MBA and is experienced in renewable energy from solar home systems to mini-grids to utility scale projects. She has worked on innovative business models, such as a project helping companies provide solar home services for refugees in Uganda, community-based wind power in rural Pennsylvania, an industrial park as anchor client in Haiti, and franchising mini-grids in Nigeria and Uganda.

An expert in legal and policy frameworks, regulatory compliance, market analysis, and financing for extractive and power projects, Carl Mbeng worked with international donors, government agencies, and the private sector as a Power Africa Transaction Advisor to accelerate clean energy adoption and improve energy access in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Carl has advanced degrees in taxation and law from the University of Douala and certificates in finance and PMP. 

Expert in identifying and managing energy access projects, specializing in mini-grid project design and implementation. Experienced in reverse auctions, competitive procurement models, productive use of energy, and investment mobilization. Lais Lona led the design, procurement, and roll-out of over $1M in mini-grid contracts electrifying refugee settlements in Northern Uganda, benefitting over 20,000 people. Lais worked with the Government of Tanzania and the Rural Energy Agency to strengthen the regulatory environment and co-financing opportunities and with donor facilities including the World Bank Tanzania Rural Electrification Expansion Program (TREEP) and Bank of Africa/Agence Française de Développement (AFD) renewable energy facility to support mini-grid development.

Dr. Stacy Crevello has over 25 years of field experience across the globe, specializing in natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, critical minerals, social and environmental governance (ESG), climate and food security. Stacy was serving as the USAID Senior Environment Advisor for Africa Trade and Investment, providing oversight and implementation of ESG natural resource management technical assistance and oversight to increase exports for 250+ private sector partners across Africa. 

An expert on impact investing with a special focus on energy and infrastructure, for the past few years Nicholas Cipponeri has been leading a team focused on improving the regulatory regime and access in the energy sector in francophone Central Africa. He has over 15 years of experience in international development, finance, and multifamily real estate transactions. Nick holds an MBA from Boston University Questrom School of Business and a B.S. in History from Truman State University. 

A contracts and pricing specialist with more than twenty years of experience in federal contracts administration and operational and management support of international development programs, Laura Slattery is highly experienced in developing competitive cost proposals for all contract types (Cost Reimbursable, Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity, and Time & Materials) in response to specific solicitation requirements from varied clients. She has a comprehensive background in contract negotiation and management, including preparing, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, subcontracts, grants, subawards, purchase orders, and consulting agreements, ensuring compliance with client regulations and contractual terms.

Lillian Young is a graduate of Christopher Newport University, BA in Environmental Studies. Ms. Young is researching how critical mineral mines in Africa are contributing to the electrification of communities near them.