Yonela Nzuzo | Managing Director
Umbane Energy Investments

Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineer; Independent Power Producer Founder; Project Finance I have built up an experience in the renewable energy sector with project finance, project development, esoteric technology, dual-infrastructure (solar production and farming). My background in mechanical and mechatronic engineering aids me in researching how we can localise technology solutions to aid Africans. Africa is my primary developmental focus and how we can use the Just Energy Transition effectively to uplift Africa and Africans; sustainably. We apply our innovation to project finance, site selection and technologies to navigate the African context and its struggles. We plan to grow and leverage our energy projects for rural industrialization; sustainable local economic development in these regions and self-determination of communities. Umbane delivers grid tied solar projects in different formats like floating solar PV, agrivoltaics and BiPV. We currently have a portfolio of 35MW grid tied solar projects in Namibia and a 50MW grid tied project in advanced development stage. Pipeline of 500MW in planned development Backed by E-Squared (Impact Investment arm of Allan Gray) and the Private Finance Advisory Network. Winners of best Sub-Saharan Project Proposal at Umoja Incubator (Incubator for SSA project developers). Winners of StartUp Founders Pitch