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Eng. Carol Ofafa: Leading Sustainable Energy Solutions in Africa and Empowering Women in STEM

Eng. Carol Ofafa: Leading Sustainable Energy Solutions in Africa and Empowering Women in STEM

Eng. Carol Awuor Ofafa is a distinguished electrical engineer, renewable energy advocate, and a champion for sustainable development and gender equality.

With over a decade of hands-on experience in the design, construction supervision, and maintenance of high-voltage electricity infrastructure, Carol has emerged as a leading figure in Africa’s energy sector, known for her innovative approach to solving critical energy challenges.

Carol holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Nairobi.

Her thirst for knowledge and commitment to excellence led her to pursue a Master of Science in Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Management at the University of Glasgow, where she earned the prestigious Graduate Award for Leadership.

Carol’s professional journey began at the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), where she played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s energy infrastructure.

Notably, she served as the construction supervisor for the Suswa Converter Station, a critical part of the Ethiopia-Kenya interconnector transmission line project.

Carol is the founder and CEO of E-Safiri Charging Limited, a Kenyan startup focused on developing solar-powered charging stations for two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles.

The company focuses on the development and deployment of solar-powered charging stations for two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs), a transformative initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector.

The transportation sector in Kenya and across Africa is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

At the same time, millions of people lack access to affordable and clean energy, creating barriers to sustainable development and economic growth.

These twin challenges are compounded by the limited infrastructure to support electric mobility, such as charging stations, which makes the transition to cleaner transportation options difficult.

E-Safiri was founded with a mission to promote the widespread adoption of electric mobility solutions by addressing critical infrastructure gaps.

Carol envisions a future where solar energy powers transportation, drastically reducing dependence on fossil fuels while making clean mobility accessible to urban and rural populations alike.

E-Safiri Charging Limited develops and operates solar-powered EV charging stations, designed specifically for two- and three-wheeled vehicles, which are widely used for both commercial and personal purposes in Kenya.

These vehicles, such as motorbikes (commonly referred to as boda bodas) and tuk-tuks, are integral to the country’s transportation system but are often powered by polluting and inefficient engines.

Currently, Carol is a researcher at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy, contributing to the African School of Regulation (ASR) initiative.

Her research focuses on fostering partnerships within Africa’s energy sector and identifying capacity-building opportunities to enhance energy access across the continent.

She is also an ardent advocate for gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

She has mentored countless young women, encouraging them to pursue careers in engineering and energy.

Carol’s contributions have been widely recognized, earning her Kenya’s highest civilian honor, the Head of State Commendation (HSC), awarded by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2020.

This accolade acknowledged her exceptional role in implementing major transmission lines, mentoring women in energy, and championing clean energy innovations.

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SunCulture and Turaco Partner to Launch Initiative to Safeguard Smallholder Farmers from Climate Risks

Key Developments

SunCulture and Turaco Partner to Launch Initiative to Safeguard Smallholder Farmers from Climate Risks

SunCulture and Turaco Partner to Launch Initiative to Safeguard Smallholder Farmers from Climate Risks

The program combines SunCulture’s innovative solar-powered irrigation systems with Turaco’s affordable insurance solutions to offer protection against the increasing challenges posed by climate change.

As climate-related extreme weather events grow more frequent and severe, millions of Africans face heightened health risks and economic instability.

Recognizing the need for effective risk mitigation strategies, SunCulture Protect provides health and life insurance coverage to smallholder farmers utilizing SunCulture’s pay-as-you-go (PAYG) irrigation systems.

The initiative ensures farmers and their families are financially protected from medical expenses and other unforeseen challenges linked to climate change.

Samir Ibrahim, CEO of SunCulture, expressed the company’s dedication to empowering smallholder farmers.

“Our mission has always been to help farmers grow more food and improve their livelihoods. This partnership with Turaco allows us to go further by offering financial security and peace of mind to our customers,” he stated.

Turaco CEO Ted Pantone highlighted the importance of accessible insurance in addressing the vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change:

“By partnering with SunCulture, we can deliver essential coverage that protects livelihoods and fosters resilience among smallholder farmers,” Pantone remarked.

The joint effort seeks to promote financial security and well-being, equipping farmers with tools to adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.

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Cauris Finance Secures $40 Million Debt Facility to Back African Fintechs

New Investments

Cauris Finance Secures $40 Million Debt Facility to Back African Fintechs

Cauris Finance, an Africa-focused impact credit fund, has successfully closed a $40 million debt facility with a U.S.-based institutional investor.

The funding will enable Cauris to scale its support for African fintech companies that provide critical credit access to financially underserved small businesses and entrepreneurs—key drivers of economic growth across the continent.

With Africa experiencing rapid demographic shifts, the continent’s population is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050.
 
By 2034, it will host the world’s largest working-age population at nearly 1.2 billion people.
 
These changes present immense opportunities for economic development while underscoring the urgent need for financial access and job creation to support sustainable growth.

Cauris specializes in bridging the funding gap for African underserved businesses and entrepreneurs.
 
Through financing innovative companies that deliver high-quality credit, the firm promotes financial inclusion, creates jobs—particularly for youth—and empowers women-led businesses.
 
The company’s mission aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing gender equity, climate action, and long-term sustainability.

The $40 million facility will significantly enhance Cauris’s ability to provide financing solutions, paving the way for the firm’s ambitious plans, including the first close of its new $50 million initiative, The Third Wave Fund, set for 2025.

“Cauris is committed to unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential by enabling fintechs to deliver high-quality, accessible credit to the businesses and people who are the backbone of the continent’s economies,” said Azer Songnaba, Chief Investment Officer of Cauris Finance.
 
“This facility marks a significant milestone in our journey, underscoring our belief in the power of innovative financial solutions to create meaningful social impact and drive sustainable growth.”

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“We are delighted to partner with ISA to support the development of solar energy in Africa,” said Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50. “This partnership will help to accelerate the deployment of solar energy in Africa and improve the lives of millions of Africans,” he added.

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