Where to Find Efficiency for Access at the Transforming Energy Access Forum 2024

Efficiency for Access, along with some of our network partners, is excited to announce our participation in the Transforming Energy Access Forum happening in Kigali between 13 – 14 March 2024.

The forum brings together innovators, government representatives, policymakers and investors focused on accelerating progress in energy access. The event is dedicated to exchanging knowledge and insights to accelerate clean energy access in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Indo-Pacific region through advancing technologies, skills, and business model innovation. Register here to attend the forum.

We’re looking forward to connecting in person with sector stakeholders and partners at the event. Our team will be hosting two sessions on Wednesday 13, March:

Off-Grid Appliances: Quality over Quantity – Transforming Lives Through Durability

Time: 11.15 – 12.30 pm CAT

Venue: Technology Stage, Marriott Hotel, Kigali

Session info

Efficiency for Access, as Ayrton’s Energy Efficiency Challenge lead, is set to host a pivotal session highlighting the essential link between off-grid appliance quality assurance, skills development, and consumer protection in energy-constrained communities.

This session will highlight the transformative impact of appliances in the Global South, emphasising the need for efficiency, durability, and affordability to boost productivity, health, education, and livelihoods. With a growing emphasis on the repairability of products suitable for off- and weak-grid areas, this event addresses the rising interest from policymakers, solar companies, and consumers, motivated by environmental, business, and societal factors. The discussion will also explore the potential of a vibrant second-life market to enhance local consumer financing, making appliances more accessible and affordable.

Join us in exploring solutions that aim to:

• Cultivate a skilled workforce essential for sustainable appliance servicing and repair
• Build local testing capacity to uphold appliance quality standards

Event Moderators:

• Sam Grant – Programme Co-Lead, Efficiency for Access (CLASP)
• Martha Wakoli – Research Co-Lead, Efficiency for Access (CLASP)

Event Speakers:

• Eng. Charles Kebaso – Group Service Manager, Davis & Shirtliff
• Kato Kibuka – Chief Executive Officer, PowerUP
• Kinya Kimathi – Projects Director, Kijani Testing
• Kuma Mede – Co-Chief Executive Officer, Farm Warehouse

Sustainable Cold Chain: Amplifying Impact by Leveraging Lessons from the Experts

Time: 13.30 – 14.45 pm CAT

Venue: Technology Stage, Marriott Hotel, Kigali

Session Info

Efficiency for Access, as Ayrton’s Sustainable Cooling for All Challenge lead, is convening a cooling workshop that features a lineup of industry leaders from the cold-chain sector.

This session offers an opportunity to engage with a diverse group of speakers, ranging from innovative African-led startups to global thought leaders. Participants will have the chance to dive deep into the intricacies of cold chain management, tackling five critical areas:

• Financing and scale
• Capacity building and training
• Business and operational models
• Technology
• Policy

This interactive workshop aims to foster direct dialogue on overcoming challenges and pinpointing viable solutions. The insights garnered will play a crucial role in shaping the strategies and actions underpinning the Sustainable Cooling for All Ayrton Plan, guided by LEIA’s cooling initiatives.

Event Moderators

• Emilie Carmichael – Programme Co-Lead, Efficiency for Access (Energy Saving Trust)
• Bethy Picton – Efficiency for Access (Energy Saving Trust), Programme Deputy

Event Speakers

• Ceri Jones – Corporate Marketing & Commercial Director, SureChill
• Francine Munyaneza – Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Munyax ECO
• Jakub Vrba – Research Co-Lead, Efficiency for Access (Energy Saving Trust)
• Morris Kayitare – General Manager, The African Center of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain (ACES)
• Natalie Casey – Chief Business Officer, Koolboks Patrick Tonui  – Head of Policy and Regional Strategy, GOGLA
• Rahual Srinivasan – Senior Energy Specialist, SEforAll

Register here to attend the forum.