Africafé: Powering Up Africa: Advancing Energy Integration

In this episode, we examine the state of energy integration in Africa, a continent striving for both sustainable development and industrialization. We delve into the current challenges, the tension between renewable energy and fossil fuels. Ultimately, the episode sheds light … Continue reading Africafé: Powering Up Africa: Advancing Energy Integration

The West needs to think again on African gas

With the breakdown in relations with Russia endangering gas supplies, the West should rethink its policy on embargoing development finance for gas deposits in Africa. Continue reading The West needs to think again on African gas

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The Political Economy of Hydropower Dependant Nations – A Case Study of Zambia

Imad Ahmed has written a fascinating and meticulously researched book on Zambia, which details the various challenges posed by hydroelectric power. This book is a must-read for all interested in Zambia and energy policy in the developing world. Continue reading The Political Economy of Hydropower Dependant Nations – A Case Study of Zambia

A Just Transition for Africa: Championing a Fair and Prosperous Pathway to Net Zero

Published by the Institute for Global Change 14 October 2021 By Gareth Walsh, Imad Ahmed, Jonathan Said, Martim Faria e Maya with a foreword by Tony Blair Our Time to Zero In series makes the case for an inclusive transition to net zero that focuses on people, fairness, technology, markets and communities. This paper seeks to share insights and recommendations with policymakers in high-income countries on how they can better partner with their counterparts in Africa, to deliver on development for the continent while mitigating climate change and its worst impacts. It draws on the experience of the Tony Blair Institute in … Continue reading A Just Transition for Africa: Championing a Fair and Prosperous Pathway to Net Zero

Acumen share pioneering investment philosophy with Bartlett PhD students

18 December 2017 | Bartlett News Bartlett School of Construction and Project Management PhD Candidate Imad Ahmed reports on a talk from Mr Farrukh Khan of Acumen. Following dinner in the Great Hall of Goodenough College, Acumen’s Chief Business Development Officer … Continue reading Acumen share pioneering investment philosophy with Bartlett PhD students

After off-grid electricity, what chance off-grid water?

Financial Times | 31 July, 2017 Innovative solutions bring the prospect of accessible water to the isolated poor By Imaduddin Ahmed   Fifty-one million people lack access to safe water in the core East African Community member states of Tanzania, … Continue reading After off-grid electricity, what chance off-grid water?

Leapfrogging into the light

Financial Times | 27 March, 2017 Solar systems help Rwanda government switch from provider to regulator of electricity by Imaduddin Ahmed Mobile phones were the “leapfrog” … Continue reading Leapfrogging into the light

Stories private equity is looking for in Africa

Businesses: –    The business model is scalable –    There is a compelling case that there is large latent/unmet demand for the product/service –    Competition is underperforming/non-existing and barriers to entry are high –    Competition for financing a given firm is low (don’t want to enter a bidding war) –    Strong personal relationships with management –    Strong balance sheets for financial institutions (diligence their Accounts Receivable and recovery rates) –    Strong Debt Service Coverage Ratios for mature businesses Economies: –    Rapid growth in the urban middle class – rapid demand growth from the latent baseline –    Large domestic market –    Rule … Continue reading Stories private equity is looking for in Africa