State of Agri-PV in Africa

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Time: 10:00am–11:00am
Hall: Room: MAAI

Delegates are welcomed to a session on the state of agri-PV in Africa, focusing on the role of solar technologies in advancing sustainable agricultural systems. The session presents insights on scaling solar water pumping for productive use in rural Tanzania and examines whether solar cooling represents a viable solution for agricultural value chains. Together, these contributions offer an overview of current developments, challenges, and future pathways for agri-PV across the continent.

10:00am–10:15amWelcome and Introduction

John van Zuylen

CEO

AFSIA - Africa Solar Industry Association

10:15am–10:30amAgri-PV for Fragile Contexts: The ASIC Model from Sudan

Amna Haroon

Managing Director

FAAS Energy

10:30am–10:45amMaking Solar PV Water Pumping Investable in Rural Tanzania

Oliva Gonda

Assistant Lecturer

Ardhi University

10:45am–11:00amIs Solar Cooling a Viable Solution for Agricultural Value Chains?

Tobias Zwirner

Managing Director

Phaesun GmbH

To Program Overview

Speakers

Speaker

Amna Haroon, FAAS Energy

Managing Director

Sudan

Speaker

Oliva Gonda, Ardhi University

Assistant Lecturer

Tanzania

Speaker

John van Zuylen, AFSIA - Africa Solar Industry Association

CEO

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.

Speaker

Tobias Zwirner, Phaesun GmbH

Managing Director

Germany

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.