Deep Dive East Africa I - Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Tanzania and Ethiopia

Cynthia Muhati is an Operational Excellence Specialist, a renewable energy enthusiast and a passionate advocate of sustainability, a founding member of Solinc East Africa, with a wealth of experience in shaping policy and regulatory environment and promoting Off-grid solar. My professional journey spans over 15 years in both corporate and social enterprise sectors, with expertise in sector performance management, business processes, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing efficiency, sustainability, profitability, and cost reduction. I serve on the Boards of The Kenya Renewable Energy Association (KEREA), the Electronic Producer Responsibility Organization of Kenya (EPROK), and the SHELogistics and Transport Association (SLTA). I hold a Barchelor's Degree in Business Management, am a Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchase and Supplies (CIPS) UK and Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) Kenya, and an experienced Enterprise Risk Manager.

Dr.-Ing. Matthew Josephat Matimbwi is an expert in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency with working experience of more than 30 years. Dr.-Ing Matimbwi is an Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA); Interim Chairperson for the East Africa Renewable Energy Federation; and Chairperson for the EAC Clean Cooking Stakeholders Network. He is leading the private sector in mainland Tanzania in unlocking business opportunities in renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors and supporting foreign companies that want to invest in Tanzania.

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David Wedepohl, Managing Director International Affairs David Wedepohl is a radio journalist by training who studied and worked on both sides of the Atlantic. He holds a master's degree in Journalism and Public Affairs which he achieved as a Fulbright scholar. His professional experience included working for the German embassy in Washington, DC as a senior press and public diplomacy officer. He first came in touch with the solar industry while working for an American consulting company before taking up his job as director communications and markets at the German Solar Association, also serving as the organization's spokesperson. He now holds the position of managing director international affairs and is responsible for the association's international activities.

Ismail Muyinda is a dedicated renewable energy professional with 10+ years of experience in productive use of energy, project management, business development, and strategic communications. He specializes in team leadership, communication, strategy formulation, partnership management, international relations, advocacy, and opportunity identification to support sector growth. Ismail has worked across East Africa with leading organizations such as the Uganda Solar Energy Association, Energy Without Borders, and The Sure Chill Company (UK). He currently serves as the International Relations and Advocacy Lead for the Somalia Green Energy Association, championing sustainable energy initiatives in the region.