Empowering The Last Mile: SolarAid’s Unique Model to Scaling Energy Access.

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

28:52

Retailers are facing a rapidly evolving landscape where consumer expectations, AI advancements, and social media platforms like TikTok are redefining engagement. It feels like the holiday shopping season just ended, but when do retailers start planning for the next one, and some retailers already behind the curve for this season? Joining us today is Carey Cockrum, Director of Consulting at Cella by Randstad Digital, where she helps major brands and marketing teams optimize their strategies with data-driven insights, AI-powered content creation, and cutting-edge retail marketing trends. With the holidays just around the corner, she’s here to share what’s next for retail marketing, campaign optimization, and how brands can stay ahead in a hyper-competitive space. ABOUT CAREY COCKRUM Carey has been a part of the Creative Agency space for nearly 30 years. She has served as Designer, Creative Director, Creative Operations Lead and Agency Lead in both internal and external agencies (big and small). Carey has worked directly with C-suite stakeholders to understand organizational strategies that inform effective creative solutions. She is a bit of a data nerd and loves demonstrating results. Brands she’s supported include Fruit of the Loom, Wendy’s and Humana. In her free time, she enjoys going back to her creative roots through painting and drawing. She also spends her time improving upon the house she lives in today in Southern, MI - inside and out. RESOURCES Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

рік тому 38:57

MP3•Головна епізоду

In this episode, we explore SolarAid's visionary work under CEO John Keane, aiming to deliver sustainable energy solutions to remote African communities. Focused on last mile areas, SolarAid's unique model tackles energy poverty while empowering communities with clean, affordable energy access. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, SolarAid is reshaping energy accessibility in Africa, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future continent-wide.

107 епізодів

Empowering The Last Mile: SolarAid’s Unique Model to Scaling Energy Access.

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

16 subscribers

published рік тому

Поширити

MP3•Головна епізоду

107 епізодів

Усі епізоди

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
Direct Air Capture In Africa: Octavia Carbon’s Journey to a $5M Seed Round 42:22

8 weeks тому42:22

42:22

Register for the Included VC Africa Reimagined: VC & Beyond Summit Join Diana Maranga, Head of Commercialization at Octavia Carbon, as she shares her unique journey from growing up inspired by environmental hero Professor Wangari Mathai to leading a pioneering direct air capture and storage company in Kenya. In this episode, Diana discusses Octavia Carbon's early stages, key growth milestones, and the complex challenges of commercializing new technology in the climate tech sector. She also delves into Kenya's advantageous position for direct air capture, the pivotal role of community engagement, and the broader implications for Africa's green transition.00:00 Introduction to Diana Maranga and Octavia Carbon00:17 Early Inspirations and Environmental Passion01:46 Career Path and Joining Octavia Carbon03:37 What is Octavia Carbon?05:17 Challenges and Growth in Direct Air Capture07:10 Kenya as a Hub for Climate Tech12:58 Commercialization and Market Challenges32:26 Community Engagement and Impact37:03 Defining Success and Avoiding Failure…

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
Blended Finance for Impact: How GreenMax Capital is Energizing Emerging Markets 43:16

13 weeks тому43:16

43:16

In this episode, Ifechukwude 'Chude' Uwajeh, Managing Director of Blended Finance at GreenMax Capital Group, shares his professional journey from large-scale thermal power projects to clean energy advisory and fund management. He discusses the challenges of electrification in Africa, the importance of creative financing models, and the implementation of the Small Outcomes Fund aimed at energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa. Chude also highlights the necessity of blending donor and DFI capital with private capital, the pivotal role of government partnerships, and the innovative financing instruments deployed for off-grid projects. 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:29 Early Career in Project Development 01:31 Transition to Clean Energy Advisory 01:54 Role at Greenmax Capital Advisors 03:22 Challenges in Electrification 04:12 Creative Financing Solutions 04:50 Differences Between Large-Scale and Renewable Projects 11:30 Blended Finance Explained 14:08 Greenmax's Fund Management and Initiatives 34:39 Government Partnerships and Success Stories 41:09 Defining Failure and Future Goals…

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
Meet The Team: Bonus Episode 6:55

13 weeks тому6:55

6:55

Quick and casual check with the team behind the podcast on our plans for the year. Sign up for our newsletter (we have not yet changed the name): https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-here

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
The Earthbond Approach: Transforming Energy Access Through Innovation 44:29

15 weeks тому44:29

44:29

In this episode of The Energy Talk, we sit down with the CEO of Earthbond, Chidalu Onyenso, to explore the company’s innovative approach to solving Nigeria’s energy crisis through solar energy solutions tailored for SMEs. We explore Earthbond's mission, financing models, and the challenges of scaling renewable energy solutions in underserved regions. The episode also takes a detailed look at Earthbond’s potential role in the emerging African carbon market, discussing how solar energy projects can generate carbon credits and unlock new revenue streams for businesses. Listeners will gain insights into the intersections of energy access, climate finance, and sustainable growth in Africa. Learn more about Earthbond: https://earthbond.co/ Subscribe to our Clean Energy Africa newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-here…

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
Asset Financing: How Payhippo is making solar products affordable 38:51

28 weeks тому38:51

38:51

Dami Olawoye joins us as we explore his remarkable career as a finance veteran turned clean energy champion and his role in revolutionizing solar energy financing in Nigeria as the CEO of Payhippo. From a big four-chartered accountant to leading a startup, our guest shares how his organization has raised $5 million to tackle Nigeria's electricity challenges with solar solutions. Subscribe to our Clean Energy Africa newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-here…

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
The African Mini-Grid Program: Mobilizing Catalytic Finance Episode 2 36:06

30 weeks тому36:06

36:06

Subscribe to our Clean Energy Africa newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-here Recorded live during the Energy Access Investment Forum in May, this 2 part mini-series covers the African Mini-Grid Program (AMP). The AMP is a USD 50 million country-led technical assistance program designed to stimulate the solar-battery mini-grids market to boost electricity access in 21 countries, its mission is to enhance economic development and improve livelihoods through increased financial investment and innovative business models. The first episode in the series: https://theenergytalk.simplecast.com/episodes/amp-ep-1 For feedback and inquiries please reach out to the podcast team: energytalkpodcast@gmail.com…

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
Investing Equity in African Infrastructure: InfraCo Africa’s $300M Journey 33:26

33 weeks тому33:26

33:26

Subscribe to our Clean Energy Africa newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-here InfraCo Africa is one of the few financiers that provides equity investments in large-scale infrastructure projects in Africa. Typically investing in projects in the early stages of their development, all the way through construction and operational stages. So far, Infraco has invested over $300 million into projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, supporting 39 projects and businesses and mobilizing over $1.5 billion. In this episode, Gilles -the group's former CEO, will talk to us about their investment mandate, the theory behind the operating model, and the notable projects that InfraCo Africa has been involved in; including the CLEAR fund which achieved its first close of $200 million and aims to close the fund at $400 million raised to invest in sustainable infrastructure projects in Africa.…

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
The African Mini-Grid Program: Mobilizing Catalytic Finance Episode 1 40:15

35 weeks тому40:15

40:15

Subscribe to our Clean Energy Africa newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-here Recorded live during the Energy Access Investment Forum in May, this 2 part mini-series covers the African Mini-Grid Program (AMP). The AMP is a USD 50 million country-led technical assistance program designed to stimulate the solar-battery mini-grids market to boost electricity access in 21 countries, its mission is to enhance economic development and improve livelihoods through increased financial investment and innovative business models. For feedback and inquiries please reach out to the podcast team: energytalkpodcast@gmail.com…

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
State of The African Minigrid Business: INENSUS GmbH 36:19

41 weeks тому36:19

36:19

Nico joins us this week to share from his two decades of experience deploying Decentralized Renewable Energy projects, consulting governments on off-grid electrification policy, and what the emerging trends mean for financiers looking into Sub-Saharan Africa. This episode has already been published on "The Mini-Grid Business" podcast hosted by Nico. You can listen to an exclusive part 2 here: https://bit.ly/4cPNqg2…

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
Creating an African Clean-Tech Unicorn: Arnergy Solar Company 48:32

42 weeks тому48:32

48:32

Arnergy is a renewable energy company providing solar solutions to residential and commercial customers. Combined, Arnergy has raised $12M in a Series A and bridge round and is now gearing up for a big Series B fundraiser. In this episode, we speak with the company's CFO, James Fabola Jr., about operating in a difficult market and exciting growth opportunities.…

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
Empowering The Last Mile: SolarAid’s Unique Model to Scaling Energy Access. 38:57

1 year тому38:57

38:57

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
The GridCrux Story: How one Energy Entrepreneur is Democratizing Energy Access in Nigeria 38:53

1 year тому38:53

38:53

In this episode, we speak to Mojola Ola, a Nigerian-based energy entrepreneur about how his company, GridCrux, is channeling its core ethos of value-add to democratize energy access for thousands of Nigerians. We delve into his roots, entrepreneurial journey, innovations, and failures in a bid to uncover what it takes to thrive as an energy entreprenueur in Africa's largest market.…

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
De-risking Procurement and Financing to Accelerate Scale for Renewable Energy Companies in Nigeria 29:46

1 year тому29:46

29:46

Doing business in Nigeria is often fraught with challenges, especially on an operational scale amidst business models that involve cross-border transactions. In this episode, we speak to Justin Tinsey, the Vice President of Procurement, about Odyssey Energy Solution's innovative framework to de-risking procurement through its partnerships and systems, as well as financing through its DART and better payment programs.…

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
Funding Climate Impact with Persistent Capital 1:01:17

1 year тому1:01:17

1:01:17

Climate venture building is a concept that is not very common within sub-Saharan Africa. In this episode, we interview Tobias and Wairimu from Persistent Energy, a company deploying "persistent" financial and human resource capital to result in climate impact along energy, agriculture, mobility, and the circular economy. We talk about Persistent's venture building model, investment ethos, recent exits, as well as its role as a fund advisor to other investment entities.…

The Energy Talk - Storytellers of Africa's Energy Transition

1
Distributed Energy For People & The Planet Ep. 8: Rethinking Policy and Finance for Distributed Renewables 1:01:37

1 year тому1:01:37