The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

Valentina Guido Bergamo, Senior Associate at RMI, joins as guest host on this episode of The Energy Talk podcast recorded in Kampala, Uganda during the Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) in 2025.We discuss the role of women in Africa’s clean energy transition through the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) and the Global Women in Clean Energy Fellowship, including the launch of its first cohort across Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Zambia. This episode also features interviews with Farida Ahmed Karim, AMP Project Manager in Comoros, and Sylvie Vavizara, Regional Director at Madagascar’s Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons, highlighting leadership, community impact, and efforts to advance gender equality in the minigrid sector.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.  Learn more about:⁠⁠African Minigrids Program (AMP)⁠RMI Global Women in Clean Energy FellowshipEnergizing Women and Youth in Agri-Food Systems ProgramConnect with:Farida Ahmed KarimSylvie VavizaraValentina Guido Bergamo

Valentina Guido Bergamo, Senior Associate at RMI, joins as guest host on this episode of The Energy Talk podcast recorded in Kampala, Uganda during the Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) in 2025. We discuss the Global Women in Clean Energy Fellowship program that recently launched its first cohort in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Zambia.  This episode also includes a feature interview with Shamiso Kacelenga,  Program Analyst for energy with the UNDP, Malawi Country Office.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. Learn more about:Needs assessment findingsAfrican Minigrids Program (AMP)Global Women in Clean Energy Fellowship Connect with:Shamiso KacelengaValentina Guido

In this episode of The Energy Talk, we delve into the inner workings of the REPP 2 fund, a groundbreaking initiative managed by Camco, aimed at transforming the renewable energy landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa. We welcome Ben Hugues (Fund manager of REPP 2) and Ieva Indriunaite (former head of REPP 2’s technical assistance facility), to share insights into the fund's blended finance structure, which not only mobilizes substantial investments but also prioritizes social impact and sustainability. The conversation covers key strategies for selecting projects, the challenges of navigating diverse regulatory environments, and the critical role of partnerships in driving success. We also explore exit strategies and how they balance financial returns with lasting community benefits. Tune in to discover how REPP 2 is poised to make a significant impact in providing clean, reliable energy access to millions across the continent.

In this episode, we sit down with Emily McAteer, CEO and Co-founder of Odyssey Energy Solutions, one of the most influential startups in the climate tech space for emerging markets. Odyssey is transforming how Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) projects are financed, procured, and managed—especially in emerging markets across countries in Africa, and also India, Mexico, and Brazil.What began as a platform supporting DFIs like the World Bank to deploy capital into DRE projects has evolved into a robust end-to-end solution for the entire ecosystem. Today, Odyssey powers asset monitoring, equipment procurement, and most recently direct credit financing for DRE developers.Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Energy Talk Podcast01:36 Emily's Journey into the Energy Sector04:53 The Birth and Growth of Odyssey.08:41 Challenges and Evolution of Odyssey.11:11 Odyssey's Procurement and Credit Platform19:30 Global Expansion and Product Market Fit24:12 Partnerships and Future Prospects28:00 Defining Success and Failure

Register for the Included VC Africa Reimagined: VC & Beyond SummitJoin Diana Maranga, Head of Commercialization at Octavia Carbon, as she shares her unique journey from growing up inspired by environmental hero Professor Wangari Mathai to leading a pioneering direct air capture and storage company in Kenya. In this episode, Diana discusses Octavia Carbon's early stages, key growth milestones, and the complex challenges of commercializing new technology in the climate tech sector. She also delves into Kenya's advantageous position for direct air capture, the pivotal role of community engagement, and the broader implications for Africa's green transition.00:00 Introduction to Diana Maranga and Octavia Carbon00:17 Early Inspirations and Environmental Passion01:46 Career Path and Joining Octavia Carbon03:37 What is Octavia Carbon?05:17 Challenges and Growth in Direct Air Capture07:10 Kenya as a Hub for Climate Tech12:58 Commercialization and Market Challenges32:26 Community Engagement and Impact37:03 Defining Success and Avoiding Failure