PRESENTING THE . . .
A TEAM!

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. 

Michael Oppong-Adjei is a finance, project management, and legal professional with a combined professional experience of over two decades.  Mr. Oppong-Adjei was Power Africa's Project Management Specialist for the West Africa region, managing its $74 million Empower West Africa program. He led multi country energy projects across West Africa delivering transaction advisory, technical assistance, and capacity building initiatives in over 21 countries. 

With over 20 years in consulting Roxanne is an accomplished international engineer with a robust finance background, specializing in resolving complex issues within the energy and infrastructure sectors across both emerging and established markets. She excels at identifying critical client issues through red flag analysis and due diligence, tackling challenges, and offering innovative solutions by leveraging data and diverse insights. Roxanne is adept at articulating solutions to a wide range of stakeholders, including governmental bodies, civil society, and investors, ensuring alignment and successful implementation of high-profile, high-value projects.

Her notable experience includes serving as USAID's senior energy advisor in Kosovo, where she successfully led the restructuring of the country's energy sector including policy and regulatory reform. This initiative resulted in the privatization of the electricity distribution supply company, underpinning the financial viability of the generation.  In the Republic of Guinea, she worked on a bauxite mining project which included a refinery, rail and port facilities, and a refinery project in Djibouti. Roxanne supported the non-profit program LEAD, partially funded by the Shell Foundation, to promote green energy through youth training and the creation of a network to share lessons learned in Sub-Saharan Africa. Roxanne is familiar with African programs aimed at supporting economic growth through major project development including: mining, refining, energy and related infrastructure. In the Republic of Guinea she worked on a bauxite mining project which included a refinery, rail and port facilities and a refinery project in Djibouti. 

Richard Hammond is a distinguished business development and energy access technical expert with over 16 years of comprehensive experience in distributed renewable energy, clean cooking technologies, and large-scale energy access programs across sub-Saharan Africa. As a seasoned energy expert, he has successfully facilitated over 200,000 energy connections, developed over $160 million pipeline in project financing and secured over $10 million in energy access funding for private sector, and driven transformative market development initiatives spanning 18 countries in the region.

As Energy Access Lead for Tetra Tech’s Regional West Africa operations (2024-2025), Hammond spearheaded energy systems initiatives targeting two million new solar home systems and mini-grid connections while facilitating the deployment of 40,000 productive use of energy devices. His strategic approach to energy systems integration has established robust partnerships with government stakeholders and development finance organisations across the region.

Arvil Gonzalez brings over 18 years of global leadership in innovation, technology, and sustainable development. He led a $114.5M portfolio of clean energy, economic growth, agriculture, and environmental programs across the Dominican Republic and Caribbean, building cross-sector partnerships with governments, corporations, and foundations. Previously, as Senior Advisor to USAID’s Innovation, Technology, and Research Hub, he guided global strategies on climate innovation, advanced technologies, and private sector collaboration and facilitated over $80M in catalytic investments.

Arvil has worked extensively in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Nepal, and Senegal, leading initiatives that bridge research, technology deployment, and market-based solutions. Known for his diplomatic skill, he has coordinated with heads of state, senior U.S. and foreign government officials, and Fortune 500 companies to design innovative financing mechanisms, including the launch of a $42M loan portfolio guarantee to expand climate-smart micro investments.

Through his ability to align innovation with impact, Arvil has positioned emerging technologies, ranging from renewable energy systems to advanced sanitation and insect farming, into scalable solutions. His track record demonstrates how strategic partnerships, applied research, and diplomacy can unlock transformative outcomes in sustainability and energy access.

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. 

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.

Ms. Kenney is an energy and enabling environment expert with over 30 years of experience, including over 20 years in developing countries. She managed the Southern Africa Energy Program for Power Africa. Her previous field assignment was leading USAID Clean Power Asia, a regional program focused on scaling up grid connected renewable energy investment in Lower Mekong countries and throughout Southeast Asia. In earlier years, she was Chief of Party for the Low Emission Development Strategies (EC-LEDS) Clean Energy Program in the Republic of Georgia funded by USAID/Caucasus. 

For over 11 years, Ms. Kenney designed and managed USAID programs supporting policy, regulation, and clean energy investments in the Republic of Georgia, Indonesia, and Nigeria. This work led to an increase in collections for the Georgia United Electricity Distribution Company from effectively 12% to over 90%, launching distribution reform in Nigeria, training of over 140 women artisans and electricians to install solar equipment and over 30 mid-career women municipal leaders to drive the energy transition in South Africa, and facilitated the financial close of over 9 GW of renewable energy projects in Southeast Asia through transaction and policy assistance, as well as supporting the regional Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Interconnection Masterplan Study (AIMS) III, leading to adoption of new solar and wind targets as part of ASEAN's 23% primary energy renewable energy goal.

She earned an M.A. in Technology and Human Affairs from Washington University and a B.A. with dual majors in Economics and Environmental Studies from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois.

Joe Hallahan has spent over a decade analysing, advancing, and advising on power sector data and policy at mission-driven organisations and government agencies. Most recently, he managed Power Africa’s Enabling Environment Team, partnering with governments, utilities, and large-scale, dynamic contracting teams to advance infrastructure projects across the full spectrum of technologies.

His work contributed to the institutionalisation of policy, procurement, regulatory, and planning reforms, while strategically informing senior leadership decisions on investment strategy to maximise impact.

A results-oriented leader, Joe is an energy and data professional who has managed multi-million dollar projects and teams that span a wide breadth of technical backgrounds and geographies.

Prior to his time with Power Africa, he led the Electricity Support Division—a group of consulting teams at the U.S. Energy Information Administration—focused on national electricity performance data, analysis, and publications.

He holds a BBA in Finance from The George Washington University, and currently resides in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Francis Kangure is a distinguished authority in the field of Human Resources, bringing over fifteen years of exemplary expertise in human resource strategy, corporate leadership and governance, organisational development, communications, and information technology. Francis is currently serving as an adjunct Postdoctoral Researcher at Strathmore Business School, where he leads advanced research on emergent trends in workforce management, organisational development, and sustainability. He is also an independent consultant dedicated to advancing the future of work and spearheading the digital transformation of human resource practices.

Previously Francis was Director of Cross-Cutting Units under the USAID-funded Power Africa Programme, overseeing a portfolio of USD 89 million across 10 countries in Eastern and Central Africa. Collaborated with 13 private sector companies and multiple government ministries to enhance energy access, targeting 11 million people. Lead the strategy development and implementation for five cross-cutting units: Organisational Development, Training, Communications, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL), Gender, and Community & Stakeholder Engagement. Key responsibilities included policy development, capacity building for governments and partners, research and dissemination of policy findings, budget and human resource management, leadership, and governance, and ensuring compliance with donor regulations.

Renowned for his scholarship and thought leadership, Dr. Kangure is recognised as a leading expert on future job skills, green jobs, the green economy, and sustainability frameworks. His commitment to the advancement of the Human Resources sector is further demonstrated through his mentorship with PicoCareer, an international mentorship initiative based in the United States, committed to empowering the next generation of professionals through meaningful guidance.

Dr. Kangure’s outstanding contributions to the profession have been widely acknowledged. He is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the prestigious IHRM Innovation Award for Groundbreaking Research on Green Jobs and Sustainability (2024), the HR Director of the Year Award (2022), and the Independent Research & Development Award (2021) from RTI International, recognising his pioneering research on sustainable green jobs in Kenya. He is presently pursuing a year-long professional certification training program in applied Artificial Intelligence.

Dr. Jeffrey Kenneth Baiden is the Regional Technical Advisor for Sub-Saharan Africa at DC L’Afrique Limited, where he leads transaction advisory for clean energy and climate finance projects across the continent. With more than 15 years of experience as a project finance specialist and energy economist, Dr. Baiden has structured and raised capital for numerous renewable energy, waste-to-energy, and climate adaptation projects in over a dozen African countries, enhancing the financial viability and bankability of initiatives from early-stage development through to financial close.

His expertise spans deal structuring, financial modelling, capital raising, and electricity market design, supporting governments, development agencies, and private sector clients. Dr. Baiden has been instrumental in sector reform modelling, macroeconomic analysis, and policy advisory for national and regional energy programs, working closely with organizations such as the World Bank, IMF, and USAID. He is recognised for his ability to bridge technical, financial, and regulatory domains to deliver innovative, impact-driven solutions for Africa’s energy transition.

Austin Onele is a finance and infrastructure specialist with deep expertise in project finance, financial modeling, and transaction advice, delivering investor-grade structuring support across Nigeria’s power, gas, transport, and agriculture sectors. He helped structure and support capital raises and commercial frameworks for over $100 million worth of investment transactions. As Transaction Advisor for Power Africa Nigeria (USAID – 2024), Mr. Onele led the development of a comprehensive financial model and business plan for a 20 MW solar PV project, forming part of a developer’s broader 300 MW renewable platform. His gas projects include the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Program. Mr. Onele developed bespoke financial tools for institutions such as the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission to prioritise hydropower projects and reviewed complex power purchase agreements and distribution company financials (e.g. Ikeja Electric and Kaduna electricity distribution companies) to support financing decisions. 

Jusu Wendell Holmes is an accomplished Infrastructure Engineer with over 17 years of proven success delivering high-value projects from concept to completion. He specialises in engineering design and supervision, project management, monitoring and evaluation, and environmental health and safety, consistently driving results that meet technical standards, budget targets, and deadlines.

In his recent role as Infrastructure Team Lead at USAID Mission in Liberia, Jusu directed a multi-million-dollar infrastructure portfolio spanning healthcare, education, energy, water, and transportation. He led project planning, design oversight, quality assurance, and execution, ensuring timely delivery and cost efficiency while aligning with strategic development goals.

Jusu has a strong track record of attracting and managing blended financing from public and private sectors to advance transformative initiatives in the buildings, energy, roads, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sectors. His leadership has produced infrastructure that improves livelihoods and strengthens economic growth and investor confidence.

An active member of the Engineering Society of Liberia (ESOL) and an affiliate of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Jusu is committed to advancing engineering excellence and building partnerships that create lasting impact.

Azra Krasniqi has over 17 years of experience in capacity building and monitoring and evaluation in the energy and infrastructure sectors and has worked on projects funded by the European Commission, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and USAID. Ms. Krasniqi oversaw and harmonised the work of state administrative bodies and other institutions involved in the European Integration process. Her policy and strategic contributions contributed to improving the enabling environment of Kosovo and integrating the country into the European Union electricity market. This includes joint electricity market agreements with Albania and the Single Project Pipeline for infrastructural investment projects. She coordinated bilateral foreign assistance resulting in funding for energy efficiency measures in public buildings, electricity transmission, and cogeneration of heat and power. These projects have improved the Pristina district heating supply, supplied power through reduced technical losses, reduced power outages due to improved network security, and increased transmission capacity. Ms. Krasniqi established the communication office and set up the intra communication system in the Kosovo Energy Corporation, the state-owned utility. She developed and implemented public campaigns such as campaigns to increase electricity payments and reduce electricity theft.

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.