Conference Speaker Overview

Benjamin has been at SolarPower Europe since 2021 and currently oversees the association's international cooperation activities. He leads on engagement with the European Institutions on EU energy diplomacy, particularly through the Global Gateway Business Advisory Group and bilaterally with DG INTPA and DG NEAR. He also coordinates SolarPower Europe's International Solar Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI), represents the organisation to international organisations and in global fora, and is responsible for the acquisition and implementation of international cooperation projects with partners around the world. When he first joined SolarPower Europe, Benjamin coordinated the work of the Lifecycle Quality and Global Markets workstreams. Prior to joining the association, he worked in the Ambassador's office at the UK Permanent Representation/Mission to the EU. He has a Master's in EU External Relations from the University of Kent and can speak English and French.

Charlotte Hussy is the Head of the German-Kenyan Hydrogen Office and acts as component lead within the H2 Diplo - Decarbonization Diplomacy project implemented by GIZ. Charlotte is also one of the co-founders of the Women in Green Hydrogen (WiGH) Network and acts as a strategy advisor to the WiGH board. Before joining GIZ, Charlotte worked five years as Senior Consultant at Ecofys/Navigant on challenges of the energy transition for private and public clients. Charlotte worked in different positions on projects all over Europe, Africa, Chile and the USA (at the Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto). Charlotte completed her studies in power engineering as well as energy and resource management at TU Dresden (BSc), TU Berlin (MSc) and Audencia Grande École in Nantes (France).

Nambuya is an investment manager at Camco, leading deal origination, structuring and negotiations for the Spark Energy Services platform in Eastern and Southern Africa. With over 10 years of experience, she drives the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions for commercial and industrial power consumers with a particular focus on MSMEs.

Hon. (Prof) Robinah K. Nanyunja, is an ecosystem builder, environmentalist and international development expert, with over 15 years of experience in leadership and promoting sustainable development and renewable energy. She is the President & Chair, Pilot International, a private sector driven social enterprise promoting global sustainable development, solar and renewable energy across Africa. She is a Former CEO, of Uganda Solar Energy Association, an umbrella body supporting over 300+ solar companies through policy advocacy, market expansion and facilitation access to finance. In July 2024, she hosted the inaugural Uganda National Solar Energy Expo that brought together hundreds of stakeholders to showcase their services, goods and the various solar technologies they offer. She is also the Host of the Trans Africa Investment Summit that fosters collaboration and partnerships development between Africa and the diaspora, whose theme for this year is powering Africa with Solar Energy.

Erick Ongera, ComAp's Sales Manager in East Africa, is an experienced Electrical Engineer with insights into micro/minigrid systems. He has already worked on several successful Solar projects within the East African market.

Bernard Osawa is a seasoned energy and extractives sector leader with over 25 years of experience in strategy, planning, policy, regulation and compliance, government relations, project development, structuring and investments in public and private sector engagement across Africa. Currently Project Director, Partner at Frontier Energy, he has served as the Vice-Chair, Energy and Extractives at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Director of Renewable Energy at the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and Environment and Resources Recovery Manager for Lafarge in East Africa. He holds an M Sc. in Renewable Energy from Oldenburg University, Germany, and a B Sc. In Physics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Georg Pflomm is a Project Manager at the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce for Eastern Africa (AHK), which facilitates private sector linkages between Germany and Eastern Africa. He is based within AHK's Competence Center for Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Economy. Georg holds degrees from the University of Mannheim, Germany, and the University of Nairobi, Kenya. His expertise lies in energy markets and governance, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. He is committed to advancing the energy transition through African-European cooperation and fostering environments that support private sector investments.

John is the Founder of AFSIA, the Africa Solar Industry Association. AFSIA aims at promoting the use of solar energy across Africa and being the voice of solar professionals active in Africa. AFSIA's activities include market intelligence analysis, content generation, info sharing, events and business facilitation services. Prior to AFSIA, John has been leading the development of solar projects for 13 years across 4 continents. These projects ranged from utility-scale to commercial and residential projects, and included on- and off-grid systems, hybrid systems, Solar Home Systems and mini-grids. John regularly advises the public and private sector on market dynamics and operational strategy for solar developments in Africa. Next to AFSIA, John is also in charge of La Fromagerie, the only goat cheese farm and factory in Rwanda. John holds a MBA in strategy, managerial and organizational behaviour, Entrepreneurship from the University of Chicago Booth.

Dr. Florian Wessendorf is Managing Director of Solar Promotion GmbH and Solar Promotion International GmbH. He is responsible for the global conference program and exhibitions in North America, South America and India. He has deep expertise in the solar industry, and formerly served as Managing Director of Photovoltaic Equipment at VDMA, where he was responsible for strategic development, market research and technology scouting, advocacy and policy advice, events, PR and marketing.

Tobias Zwirner is the founder and managing director of Phaesun GmbH, a specialist wholesaler and system integrator focusing on Off-Grid power supplies based on renewable energies. Since its foundation in 2001, Phaesun has focused on rural electrification, productive use solutions, solar-powered water pumping systems for drinking water production, water treatment and irrigation of fields, Off-Grid system solutions for industrial applications, the caravan & camping sector, as well as other innovative off-grid power supply solutions. The main target regions are Africa, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. Phaesun works closely with international NGOs and GOs as well as with local partner companies in the target countries to deliver and permanently establish energy in non-electrified areas.