2025 JURY

Hailing from Mali, Siré Abdoul Diallo brings two decades of experience in project development & management and business development in the sustainable energy, climate resilience and inclusive finance sectors. His experience includes work in sustainable energy market development, designing and implementing programs at the regional and national level in the off-grid electrification (standalone solar and mini-grids), grid-connected and clean cooking sectors. Mr. Diallo’s work has always involved supporting various stakeholders including government, non-government organizations, private sector and civil society. Served in key roles with the ECOWAS Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) and the UNDP pushing the agenda on creating a viable market for sustainable energy uptake, increasing private sector investment and building resilience for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Currently, Mr. Diallo, serves as a consultant, providing advisory, coordination and resource mobilization support to public and private sector organizations. Mr. Diallo is the founder of Africa Emergence Group (AEG) a consulting firm operating primarily in West Africa to bridge the investment gap.

Dr. Basim Belgasim is a distinguished academic, researcher, and consultant specializing in renewable energy, with a PhD in Renewable Energy Engineering from Northumbria University, UK. His career blends high-level consultancy, including his role as a Renewable Energy Expert for the European Commission’s CINEA program, with significant academic contributions as an Associate Professor at the University of Benghazi. Dr. Belgasim has a proven track record in leadership and evaluation. He previously served as the Director of the Solar Thermal Department at the Centre for Solar Energy Research and Studies (CSERS) in Libya and currently Renewable Energy Consultant at the Libyan Authority for Scientific Research (LASER). His expertise in peer review is demonstrated through his roles as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Solar Energy and Sustainable Development and as a reviewer for numerous leading international journals. His research is deeply rooted in the African context, focusing on solar thermal systems, concentrating solar power (CSP), solar desalination, and solar projects' techno-economic analysis.

Ismène AHAMIDE ZOUNMENOU is an accomplished Beninese entrepreneur whose career embodies resilience, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable development and women's empowerment. Born in June 1980, she quickly distinguished herself with her ambition and ability to transform challenges into opportunities. Holding a degree in business management, with a specialization in renewable energy, she first earned her stripes within large international companies in the telecommunications, construction, and energy sectors. Building on this experience, she chose to pursue social entrepreneurship in 2010, creating the NGO DESTIN EN MAIN, an initiative dedicated to empowering low-income single mothers.   Driven by a long-term vision, Ismène then founded several companies, including ISMAST TRADING SARL, specializing in the processing of tropical fruits, ISMAST TRADING SELF, active in distribution and telecom services, and above all ISMAST ENERGY SARL in 2016, which would become one of the symbols of her commitment to equitable access to renewable energy in Benin.   Through ISMAST ENERGY, she develops solar engineering, energy efficiency, and maintenance solutions, while training more than 90 women in solar energy careers and more than 2,000 young girls in entrepreneurship. Her work thus contributes to an inclusive energy transition and the emergence of strong female leadership in a sector that is still very male-dominated.

AHMED KAYAD Abdourazak is an independent consultant and passionate manager, specializing in project management and the development of infrastructure and energy solutions. With over 15 years of diverse experience in engineering, energy, and consulting, I bring significant expertise to the energy sector. My track record includes leading strategic initiatives and conducting thorough data analyses, consistently delivering successful outcomes without any adverse effects. Holder of a degree in mechanical engineering, I have completed several training programs focused on energy efficiency and renewable energies. My proficiency in project management software, combined with exceptional communication skills, enables effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to execute complex projects seamlessly.

Abdoullahi Diop is a specialist in natural resource governance and the energy transition in Africa, he have been the Permanent Secretary of the EITI National Committee in Mauritania since 2023. In this role, he oversees the implementation of the EITI Standard, coordinate the work of the multi-stakeholder committee, lead national transparency reports, and officially represent Mauritania at international conferences. Concurrently, he is an energy analyst and regular writer for Agence Ecofin, a leading media outlet covering African economic news. He has published more than 800 articles on the continent's energy challenges, with a focus on green transitions, critical minerals, energy sovereignty, and access to electricity.

Dr. Bouchra LAARABI is a researcher specializing in photovoltaic (PV) soiling, PV reliability, and performance. She holds a Ph.D. in Energy and Environmental Sciences from the Physics of Semiconductors and Solar Energy research structure, École Normale Supérieure, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco. Her research focuses on investigating the soiling effects on solar energy systems, including their modeling and prediction. Her thesis was conducted within the framework of the SOLEIL Inno-PV project, funded by the Institute for Research in Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN). Dr. Bouchra LAARABI has served as an adjunct instructor at École Normale Supérieure, Mohammed V University of Rabat, and as an associate researcher at the Physics of Semiconductors and Solar Energy research structure. Her expertise extends to consulting on renewable energy technologies and policies, and green hydrogen strategies. She has contributed to projects on regulatory frameworks, MV/LV network development for rural electrification, and renewable energy and green hydrogen potential assessment in the MENA region, providing strategic recommendations to enhance local value creation. She was awarded the Research and Training Fellowship for Developing Country Scientists (RTF-DCS), funded by the Indian Government and received a certificate of appreciation from the Indian Embassy in Morocco for her outstanding contributions to women’s empowerment on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

Dr. Rethabile Melamu is a sustainability professional and a leader in the green economy sector. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), where she drives initiatives to promote clean energy and sustainable development across the country. Dr. Melamu holds a PhD in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from the University of Cape Town and brings over 18 years of experience in clean energy, environmental sustainability, technology commercialization, and the green economy. Her leadership experience spans several key roles, including Chairperson of the Water Research Commission and Trustee of the Mandela-Rhodes Foundation. She has also provided strategic insight as a Non-Executive Director across multiple private and public sector boards. Additionally, Dr. Melamu has held senior management roles, where she has successfully developed and implemented policies and strategies in energy, sustainability, and technology commercialization. As a thought leader, Dr. Melamu has authored numerous reports and thought leadership pieces on sustainability and green technologies. Her work has been widely recognized; in 2019, she was named one of Mail & Guardian's "Women Who Are Changing South Africa in the Public Sector." In 2024, she was also a finalist in the prestigious Standard Bank Top Women Awards, further underscoring her impact and leadership in the industry.

Mohamadu Saido Balde is the Director of the Department of Studies, Strategic Planning, and International Relations at the Ministry of Energy. He is an experienced sustainable energy, climate, and agribusiness consultant with expertise in energy systems analysis, climate change policy and negotiations, data analysis, and community engagement. Mohamadu holds a Master of Science in Energy and Green Hydrogen Technology and professional diplomas in climate policy and climate change mitigation and adaptation. He has contributed to numerous national and international initiatives, working with organizations such as UNFCCC, GCA, BASE, ECREEE, CRAD, and the International Solar Alliance. Fluent in seven languages, Mohamadu is also dedicated to youth empowerment, capacity building, and fostering innovation toward climate-resilient and sustainable development through green entrepreneurship and business.