Optimizing Local Currency Debt Financing for Sub-Saharan Solar Energy Markets

David Ekabouma has 20 years of global experience, including 10 years of investment transaction and relationship management experience with commercial banks, non-bank financial institutions, specialized lenders and DFIs in Africa. At GreenMax, he is Managing Director of the Green-for-Access First Loss Facility (G4A), a new risk mitigation platform that partners with local financial institutions in Africa to facilitate local currency lending for energy access. After managing audit and advisory engagements for leading multinational companies on behalf of Deloitte (Paris and Houston) and PwC (New York), David returned to Africa to pursue work in sustainable development. Previously, he spent 10 years helping to build the Africa Guarantee Fund (AGF), where he held various leadership positions, including Director of Products and Structured Finance, Director of Business Development, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation and CFO. During his tenure at AGF, he developed the group’s green finance guarantees and structured finance products, including green bonds, securitization and receivable-backed loan guarantees. David holds an Executive M.B.A. from HEC Paris, a master’s degree in finance and accounting from IAE Orleans School of Management, France and a Certificate in Climate and Renewable Energy Finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. He is fluent in English and French.

Nelly is an Analyst in TCX's Trading team focusing on hedging solutions for African and Latin American currencies. In her previous role at the CEO's Office of TCX, Nelly engaged with stakeholders of the Fund, and worked on conceptualizing more affordable hedging solutions for the off-grid energy sector. Prior to joining TCX, Nelly worked in KfW's Global Equity and Funds department. Nelly holds a Master's degree in Economics and Econometrics from the University of Nottingham and in International Economics from the University of Tuebingen, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Munich. Nelly's passion is in the area of development finance and financial inclusion.

Franck is an accomplished Financial Services Professional with 19 years of extensive experience in Business Development, Strategic Planning & Execution, Innovation & New Product Development. Prior to his current role, he was the Managing Director of AGF West Africa. Before joining AGF, Franck was the Country Managing Director of Alios Finance Burkina Faso, a Pan African Specialized Asset Finance Company, with a mix of prominent African and European investors. A Beninese national, Franck holds a Master’s Degree in Marketing & Management from the Institut Supérieur Européen de Gestion (France), a Master’s Degree in E-business & Strategy from Grenoble Graduate School of Business (France) and a FinTech Certificate from Said Business School, University of Oxford. Franck has a passion for FinTech Entrepreneurship and Investment as well as Sustainable Development initiatives in Africa.

Drew is the Head of Performance & Investment at GOGLA. He has more than 14 years’ experience working with companies, governments, donors and NGOs to catalyse markets in the off-grid light and power sector. In his current role, Drew leads the team to strengthen GOGLA member and industry performance, and improve access to finance in the sector. He believes that optimising value for customers, economies and the environment is the driver for increased investment and industry growth. He’s most proud to have led an industry initiative to establish the GOGLA Consumer Protection Code, and loves working with off-grid solar companies to help drive cutting-edge technological innovation in villages and homes across Africa. Drew holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nottingham and has lived and worked in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. His love for the mountains has brought him to live in the Netherlands.