Researchers in the Renewable Energy Technologies Theme Group

Zambia Country Team

Mr. Abel Mbewe, 

AFREPREN/FWD Principal Researcher, Energy Advisor, ANNOBIL Group, USA. 

 

Mr. Mbewe, currently undertaking an MBA, holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Electronics and Telecommunications from the University of Zambia. He is currently on leave of absence from Zambia and is in the US where he is working as an Energy/ Environment consultant for the Annobil Group. Mr. Mbewe has attended several short courses on energy and environmental issues. Previous appointments include Executive Secretary at the National Energy Council, Zambia.

Research Assistants

  • Ms. Annie Nsenduluka, Zambia.

  • Eugenious B.C. Mumba, National Assembly of Zambia.

 

Zimbabwe Country Team

Mr. Maxwell Mapako,

AFREPREN/FWD Principal Researcher, Director,  Biomass Users Network, Zimbabwe.

 

Mr. Mapako holds a BSc. Hons. Degree in environmental studies and biochemistry from University of Wales (UK), and a Diploma in renewable energy sources from Urbino, Italy. He has attended various courses in renewable energy technologies and project management. He has worked as a senior research officer in the new and renewable energy section of the Government’s Department of Energy and is currently the Director of the African Regional office of the Biomass Users Network. He has authored numerous publications on biomass energy technologies that have been instrumental in shaping Zimbabwean renewable energy policies and programs. 

Research Assistants

  • Mr. Johannes Chigwada, Department of Transport and Energy, Ministry of Transport and Energy, Zimbabwe.

  • Mr. Takira Dhiliway, Biomass Users Network, Zimbabwe.

 

Botswana Country Team

 

Mr. Joseph Elizera Mbaiwa,

AFREPREN/FWD Principal Researcher, Research Fellow, University of Botswana.

 

Mr. Mbaiwa holds a MSc. Degree in environmental science from the University of Botswana. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in education and a Bachelor of Arts in environmental science and history from the University of Botswana. He has authored various chapters in books and papers and participated in a number of national and international meetings and conferences that led to innovative national energy and environmental policies. He has also worked as a research assistant for both government and non-governmental research projects.

Research Assistants

  • Mr. Oganne Gontse, Joint bank of Botswana, Botswana.

  • Ronald Mosholapeko, University of Botswana, Botswana.

 

Eritrea Country Team

Dr. Semere Habtetsion, 

AFREPREN/FWD Principal Researcher, Director, Energy Management and Development Division, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Eritrea.

 

Dr. Semere Habtetsion holds a PhD. and an MSc. from Sheffield University in the United Kingdom. In addition, he holds a MSc. and B.Sc. in Management and Energy Utilisation and Conservation from Technion – Israeli Institute of Technology.

He is currently the Director of the Energy Management and Development Division in the Department of Energy of Eritrea’s Ministry of Energy and Mines.  He has held the following senior positions:

  • Director of the Planning and Programming Division in Eritrea’s Department of Energy.

  • Dean of the College of Science and Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of Asmara,Eritrea.

  • Department Head and Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Dr. Semere Habtetsion, a leading Eritrean energy analyst, has authored numerous influential reports and publications on the energy sector in Eritrea.  He is a principal researcher in AFREPREN/FWD’s Renewables and Energy for Rural Development Theme Group.


Research Assistants

  • Dr. Zemenfes Hudru, University of Asmara, Eritrea.

  • Mr. Tesfai Gebrehiwot, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Department of Energy, Eritrea.

  • Mr. Tedesse Haile, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Eritrea.

Ethiopia Country Team

Prof. Woldemariam Wolde-Ghiorgis, 

AFREPREN/FWD Principal Researcher, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Addis Ababa University.

 

Prof. Ghiorgis holds a PhD Degree from McGill University, Canada, an MSc. Degree from Leigh University, USA and a BSc. Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has been involved in energy research since 1981, and has published a wide range of publications on renewable energy use and applied electromagnetic fields. As a member of the Ethiopia Electricity Power Corporation (EEPCO) management board, Prof. Ghiorgis provides influential technical and policy advice on energy issues to the Ethiopian government.


Research Assistant

  • Mr. Getachew Belay Wendim, Ministry of Economic Development and Cooperation, Ethiopia.

 

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