​​A large number of Africans are living outside the electricity grid, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa with close to two-thirds of the region’s population without access to electricity. Thus, improving access to reliable and affordable energy is key to elevating the majority of Africa’s population out of poverty and improving their quality of life. This panel intends to cover the various products and business models that are increasing power access across the continent.

​​Theme: Backbone for Empowering Sustainable Business Growth and Achieving Climate Action Goals

Rob Stoner, Moderator

Dr. Robert Stoner is Deputy Director of the MIT Energy Initiative and Director of the Tata Center for Technology and Design. His current research interests include energy technology and policy for developing countries, as well as design for resource constrained settings. Dr. Stoner has worked extensively in academia and industry throughout his career, having built and managed successful technology businesses in the semiconductor, IT and optics industries. From 2007 through 2009 he lived and worked in Africa and India while serving in a variety of senior roles within the Clinton Foundation. Dr. Stoner earned his Bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from Queen’s University, and his PhD from Brown University in condensed matter physics.

Elizabeth Murphy, Manager Genser Energy Ghana

Beth Murphy joined Genser Energy Ghana in 2018 to lead the company’s portfolio expansion from thermal power generation to include clean, renewable production methods. Based in Accra, she focuses on renewable energy development to assess the viability of new projects in Ghana and throughout Africa, specifically focused on the feasibility, strategic planning and implementation of wind projects. Before joining Genser, Beth had previous engineering and project development experience working for ExxonMobil Production Company as a Materials Specialist in Houston, Texas. She holds a Master of Science degree in Technology and Policy and a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a Minor in Energy Studies from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Edward Mungai, CEO Kenya Climate Innovation Center

Edward Mungai is the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC). He has a multifaceted background in Business Advisory, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Investment management and is also a published author. Edward is passionate about sustainable development and the role of private sector as a driver for sustainable development in Africa. He has extensive experience in the development of financing mechanisms for private sector, with special interests in the agribusiness, renewable energy, financial services, and water and sanitation sectors. Edward is a 2016 Eisenhower Fellow and sits in several boards as well as a faculty member at Strathmore Business School where he teaches Impact Investing; Corporate Sustainability and Innovation to executives. Edward is the author of Impact Investing in Africa: A Guide to Sustainability for Investors, Institutions, and Entrepreneurs published by Palgrave Macmillan.

Christian Wessels, CEO Sunray Ventures

Christian Wessels has extensive experience as an executive, banker and advisor across Europe, Middle East & Africa, working in Nigeria in the last 10 years. Christian is the founder of Sunray Ventures, which focuses on high-impact companies, combining financial with environmental and social returns. Sunray Ventures operates Daystar Power (renewable energy), Green Compass Recycling (circular economy) and Bisedge (distribution). Sunray Ventures is headquartered in Nigeria, with operations in other African countries and the Middle East. Sunray Ventures cooperates with leading technology companies from Europe, including Austria, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands and Norway. Christian’s time in Africa started as a Director for Barclays Africa, where he worked in numerous African countries. Christian is an Advisor to Bain & Company, supporting Bain’s growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, where he previously served as a Partner. In 2012, Christian was appointed as a Young Global Leader (YGL) of the World Economic Forum. He is a member of the Young President Organization. Sunray Ventures is a member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

Tomiwa Igun, GAT Director Boston Consulting Group

Tomiwa Igun is passionate about electrifying Africa, as depicted in his Harvard Business School Annual Portrait project where he laid out the basis for this passion.  His professional career has revolved around this goal of improving the electrification around Africa, primarily Nigeria.  He is currently a Director within the Grow Africa Team at The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) where he has served several clients providing strategic advisory and executing on energy projects, including in Nigeria and other African countries.  He co-founded Aspire Power Solutions, a renewable energy company focused on providing clean, affordable, and reliable electricity in Africa.  Before this, Tomiwa worked at Africa Finance Corporation.  He is also a co-founder of Young African MBAs, a non-profit helping bridge the gap in Africa's management talent.  Tomiwa holds an MBA with Honors from Harvard Business School, M.Sc. Electrical Engineering from University of Michigan, and B.Sc. Electrical Engineering from Howard University.  

The energy panel is sponsored by