John van Zuylen

Job Title
CEO
Company
AFSIA - Africa Solar Industry Association
Country
Rwanda

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.

March 12, 2025Panel Discussion: Building Africa's Energy Future: Solar and Storage Solutions

Sessions Further Content
Session
Deep Dive South: Solar and Hydrogen Markets in South Africa and Namibia

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 03:00 pm - 03:30 pm

Explore the vibrant energy markets of South Africa and Namibia in this comprehensive session. Gain insights into South Africa's solar landscape, including the PV Green Card initiative, and discover Namibia's groundbreaking hydrogen project led by Hyphen and Enertrag. Industry experts will discuss market opportunities, policy frameworks, and innovations driving sustainable energy in the region. Join us to unlock potential in Southern Africa's renewable energy sector!

Session
Deep Dive West: Solar and Energy Opportunities in Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 04:00 pm - 04:45 pm

Delve into the thriving renewable energy markets of West Africa, focusing on Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire. This session will highlight market overviews, investment opportunities, and the latest developments in solar and energy storage. Regional experts will discuss key policy trends, financing mechanisms, and technological advancements driving growth in these dynamic economies. Join us to explore the future of energy in West Africa and expand your market reach!

Session
Matchmaking Session

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 12:00 pm - 12:40 pm

The GET.invest Matchmaking Sessions are part of the services offered by GET.invest to mobilise investments in renewable energy projects and businesses. The sessions will provide participants with the opportunity to connect with potential business partners, public and private investors and policymakers in a series of selected personal meetings with a duration of 20 minutes. The GET.invest Matchmaking Sessions with bilateral meetings will be held on 12-13 March, 2025 at the detailed slots as indicated on the Agenda.

Special Event
Dinner Party

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 07:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Location: Zen GardenLower Kabete Road,Nairobi, Kenya Zen Garden is the ultimate venue, captured in the scenic surroundings of Nairobi's Spring Valley. The sheer beauty of the location, uncompromised quality of food and high level of service. Bus shuttle will be provided on first come first served basis. Sponsored by TBEA.

Session
PV Applications: Agri PV, Water Treatment, Food & Agriculture

Thursday, March 13, 2025, 09:00 am - 10:30 am

Kenya's abundant solar resources offer immense potential to supply clean water, boost agriculture, and enhance climate resilience amid frequent droughts and erratic rainfall. Affordable, scalable solar energy powers robust technologies for rural areas, such as solar-driven water pumps, wastewater treatment, desalination, and Agri-PV systems combining crop cultivation with energy production. These solutions enable more harvests, better plant growth through adaptive shading, and improved storage via solar drying/cooling, increasing farmers' income and food security. Solar-powered electric mobility with local two- and three-wheelers enhances transport and reduces reliance on gasoline.The session will showcase proven technologies improving rural livelihoods globally. Organized by GIZ Kenya and AWE, it features energy-efficient, scalable solutions integrating the Energy-Food-Water nexus. Attendees can explore innovative technologies and engage directly with solution providers.

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