Using Nigeria as a case study, I had a conversation with Bolaji Onalaja, an energy and technology consultant,  to understand the current situation in Nigeria, challenges and available opportunities for renewable energy in ensuring access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all by 2030. 

This episode was hosted by Bolaji Akinola-Alli
Co-hosted by Demilade Adeyemi and Daniel Ogbonna

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On this episode, I had a conversation with Amit Saraogi and Anshuman Lath to learn how India was able to grow its electricity access from 60% to almost 100% of its population in two decades.

What can African leaders learn from this? What roles do the private sector and public sector play in providing clean, affordable and sustainable electricity access for all? 

Please have a listen.

Amit Saraogi is the Co-founder and CEO of Oorja Development Solutions Limited, a mission-driven company working at the intersection between clean energy and sustainable agriculture. It provides affordable irrigation, milling and cooling services to smallholder farmers.

Anshuman Lath is the CO-founder of Gram Oorja Solutions Private Limited. Gram Oorja fulfils the electricity, cooking fuel and water needs of remote, tribal communities. With over 70 mini-grid projects in India, Gram Oorja has contributed to promoting energy access in the southern parts of India.

This episode was hosted by Bolaji Akinola-Alli 
Co-hosted by Daniel Ogbonna

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We spoke to Collins Kuindwa, an investment officer at SunFunder in Nairobi,  to understand how rural electrification is financed in Africa. We explored the methods of financing, their associated risks and ways to overcome them.

SunFunder is a mission-driven solar finance business based in Nairobi unlocking debt capital for solar energy in emerging markets, where over 2.2 billion people live without access to reliable energy.

SunFunder has helped over 10 million people gain access to clean, reliable energy through its blended debt funds.

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Did you know?

Over 3 billion people live without access to clean cooking facilities in the world today.

According to the IEA, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 490,000 premature deaths per year linked to household air pollution from the lack of access to clean cooking facilities, with women and children being the worst affected. The unsustainable harvesting of fuelwood also contributes to deforestation.

Africa's Big Switch podcast has so far focused on rural electrification for its first season. However we believe that it is also important to spread awareness on the clean cooking challenges and opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa. 

On this episode, we spoke to Ronan Ferguson from the Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) who gave us an overview of the major challenges to achieving clean cooking and its impact on economic and social development in Africa. 

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The Oil and Gas industry has been a notorious contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which has contributed to climate change.

But does oil & gas have a role to play in the energy transition in Africa?

If so, how?

To explore this, we sat down with James Makinde, the General Manager of Ardova Plc. With over 15 years experience in oil and gas industry, James now leads business development into sustainable energy solutions in areas of clean mobility and renewables amongst others.

Please have a listen!

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There is often this mysterious cloud surrounding the nuclear industry with a lot of false perceptions on its safety and role in contributing towards a sustainable energy future.

On this episode of Africa's Big Switch, we had a conversation with Princess Mthombeni, a nuclear communication specialist with over 10 years experience, to help us demystify some of the myths surrounding the nuclear industry in Africa. 

Some of the questions we explored include: 

• The safety of nuclear energy. Is it actually safe?
• What is the key to widespread adoption of nuclear energy in Africa? 
• Does Africa currently posses the the skills to safely run and maintain a nuclear plant? 

Find out on this episode!

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Still on Nuclear Energy! But this time we take a deeper dive into the technology.

Have you heard of the Pebble Small Modular Reactor (PSMR)?

We spoke to Dr Trevor Dudley, the CEO of Mozweli Nuclear Engineering Limited on the role of nuclear energy in diversifying Africa's energy mix. Dr Trevor holds over 26 years of experience in the nuclear engineering and he is particularly involved in the development of nuclear pebble technology. He is also a member of the South African advisory committee that works with the IAEA and advises the government on nuclear affairs.

Some of the key questions we covered on this episode include:

• What role can nuclear energy play in Africa's economic development? 
• Should we be concerned about nuclear waste? 
• What should we be hopeful for in the future of nuclear energy in Africa? 

We hope you enjoy this! 

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Can I use solar energy to power my business?

On this episode of Africa's Big Switch we had a conversation with Victor Tobenna Ezenwoko, the Chief Commercial Officer of Daystar Power, to explore commercial and industrial clean energy solutions in Africa. 

From steel manufacturers in Ghana to commercial banks in Nigeria, Daystar Power is committed to helping African businesses grow and develop by taking care of their power needs. In doing so, it aims to contribute to the clean and sustainable growth of African countries. 

Today, Daystar Power is present in four countries, runs over 300 power installations with an installed solar capacity of 32 MW, and has a team of 140 colleagues. [1]

The questions we explore on this episode include:

• Why are businesses making the switch from diesel generators to cleaner energy solutions? 
• What are some of the regulatory and supply chain issues faced with delivering clean power solutions in Africa? 
• Can solar power my air conditioner?

Have a listen!

[1] https://www.daystar-power.com/about-us

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