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.

February 04, 2026Welcome and Introduction

February 04, 2026Welcome and Introduction

February 04, 2026Welcome and Introduction

February 04, 2026Welcome and Introduction

Sessions
Session
Innovative Business Models from Across the Continent

Wednesday, February 04, 2026, 02:00 pm - 03:00 pm

Room: MAAI

The session on innovative business models from across the continent is highlighting approaches to unlocking Africa's renewable energy potential. The discussion explores the role of wheeling mechanisms and private sector engagement in accelerating market development, alongside an approach to fully leveraging PV hybridization potential at new and refurbished hydropower plant locations. Together, these perspectives illustrate scalable pathways for integrating renewables through innovative and bankable business models. 

Session
State of Agri-PV in Africa

Wednesday, February 04, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

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. 

Session
Updates on Mission 300 and Acumens HTR (Hardest-to-Reach) $250m Fund

Wednesday, February 04, 2026, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Room: MAAI

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Session
Best Practices for BESS Optimization: Focus on Sizing and Bankabilty Aspects

Wednesday, February 04, 2026, 03:00 pm - 04:00 pm

Room: MAAI

This session presents best practices for BESS optimization, with a focus on  sizing methodologies and bankability considerations. It provides a techno-economic and grid stability perspective on optimized BESS sizing for PV power plants and examines the role of OEMs in delivering bankable BESS projects. Together, the contributions highlight key technical and commercial factors required for successful and financeable battery storage deployments.

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