Deep Dive East Africa II - Turning Pipeline into Projects - Malawi, Zambia & Rwanda

Tuesday, February 03, 2026

Time: 03:00 pm - 04:30 pm
Hall: Room: MAAI

This deep dive session explores solar PV and battery storage opportunities in Malawi, Zambia, and Rwanda. Industry leaders and market experts will share practical insights on where solar-plus-storage is already delivering value - from commercial and industrial (C&I) systems and hybrid solutions to the early pipeline for larger-scale projects. The discussion will focus on the real-world conditions required to move from project interest to implementation, including policy and regulatory readiness, financing and risk mitigation, grid integration, and scalable business models. Participants will gain a clear comparison of the three markets and concrete takeaways on how developers, EPCs, investors, and technology providers can successfully engage.

03:00 pm - 03:05 pmWelcome and Introduction

Sven Buchholz

Long Term Expert Zambia & Malawi

BSW Solar / German Solar Association

03:05 pm - 03:10 pmScene-setter: Why Storage is Changing Project Economics

Damien Frame

Senior Knowledge Exchange Fellow

University of Strathclyde

03:10 pm - 03:25 pmMarket Deep Dive: Malawi

Charles Dakalira

Programmes Coordinator

Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA)

03:25 pm - 03:40 pmMarket Deep Dive: Zambia

Michelo Siachoono

Head of Secretariat / CEO

Solar Industry Association of Zambia

03:40 pm - 03:55 pmMarket Deep Dive: Rwanda

Serge Wilson Muhizi

CEO

Energy Private Developers Association (EPD)

04:15 pm - 04:25 pmQ&A Round

04:25 pm - 04:30 pmClosing

To Program Overview

Speakers

Speaker

Sven Buchholz, BSW Solar / German Solar Association

Long Term Expert Zambia & Malawi

Germany

Speaker

Damien Frame, University of Strathclyde

Senior Knowledge Exchange Fellow

United Kingdom

Speaker

Charles Dakalira, Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA)

Programmes Coordinator

Malawi

Charles Dakalira is the Programmes Coordinator at the Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA), leading renewable energy advocacy, policy engagement, and stakeholder coordination. He holds an MSc in Management Studies and has over nine years of experience advancing sustainable energy access and inclusive development in Malawi.

Speaker

Michelo Siachoono, Solar Industry Association of Zambia

Head of Secretariat / CEO

Zambia

Speaker

Serge Wilson Muhizi, Energy Private Developers Association (EPD)

CEO

Rwanda

Serge Wilson MUHIZI is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in sales, marketing, and the energy sector. He has held key roles, including Energy Project Analyst and Head of Membership & Partnership, contributing to strategic growth in Rwanda's energy landscape. Currently serving as CEO of Energy Private Developers (EPD), he leads a network of 200+ companies, advocating for a conducive business environment. Serge is actively engaged in climate finance, carbon markets, and renewable energy program evaluations. He holds an MBA and has undergone specialized training in energy and leadership, both locally and internationally.