Conference speakers

EcoGreen Solutions Ltd

Umutoniwase Anitha

Umutoniwase Anitha is the Founder and CEO of EcoGreen Solutions Ltd, a Rwandan renewable energy company providing clean cooking technologies, including LPG systems, improved cookstoves, and biomass pellets. She is an experienced Project and Human Resource Manager, holding an MBA in Project Management, with over ten years of professional experience implementing peacebuilding and social justice initiatives. Driven by a strong commitment to climate action and human rights, Anitha founded EcoGreen Solutions Ltd to address the urgent need for clean, efficient, safe, and affordable cooking solutions for households across Rwanda. Through a market-based approach, she is contributing to reducing harmful emissions across the region.

Laser Infrastructure & Technology Solutions (LITES)

Dr. Eng. John M. Mativo

Dr. Eng. John M. Mativo currently works as the Executive Director of the Laser Infrastructure and Technology Solutions company (LITES), a subsidiary of CPF Group focusing on Infrastructure and ICT solutions. John is a Consulting Engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) and a Certified Public Private Partnership Professional (CP3P). He has more than thirty (30) years of cumulative working and consulting experience in both public and private sectors in Kenya. Eng. Mativo previously worked for the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company, rising from General Manager, Technical Services to Managing Director. During that period, he led the planning and construction of high voltage transmission infrastructure, increasing the national grid by 6,000km of transmission lines and 76 substations resulting in additional 6,400MWA transformation capacity. Dr. Mativo finalized the commercial closure of seven transmission infrastructure projects valued at US$ 1 billion.

Hung Pump Kenya

Jacktone Mboya

Jacktone is the Chief Executive Officer of Hung Pump Kenya, a pioneering agroforestry firm established in 2017 that transforms climate action into high-yield commercial opportunities. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, is a Chartered Marketer, and is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Sustainable Development Studies. Under his leadership, the firm designs and manages large-scale, nature-based projects integrating agriculture, forestry, and technology to mitigate climate change while driving rural economic growth. With deep expertise in the restoration economy, Jacktone specializes in unlocking the financial viability of regenerative value chains. At the Africa-Australia Clean Energy Conference 2026, Jacktone highlights how nature-based solutions and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) serve as vital mechanisms for the mining and energy sectors to offset hard-to-abate emissions and secure social license to operate. His insights provide global energy and extraction leaders with actionable frameworks for integrating carbon trade markets, agroforestry, and landscape restoration into their ESG strategies—ensuring a just, inclusive, and profitable transition to net-zero.

Egera Umuhinzi Initiative

Munyemana Jean Pierre

Jean Pierre Munyemana is an agronomist and the founder of Egera Umuhinzi Initiative, a platform bridging agricultural research, policy, and on-the-ground farmer adoption in Rwanda. He is also the Managing Director of SMARTFARM Solutions Ltd, where he leads the deployment of practical, climate-smart agricultural solutions aimed at improving productivity and resilience for smallholder farmers. With experience spanning regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and farmer extension, Jean Pierre has worked with institutions including MINAGRI and RAB to translate policy into actionable practices at scale. His work focuses on integrating agriculture and energy systems through circular economy models, converting agricultural waste into organic fertilizers and biogas to reduce costs and improve sustainability for farmers. Through his leadership, he continues to champion innovative approaches that strengthen food security, environmental stewardship, and rural economic development across Rwanda and the wider region.

Founder & Lead Consultant

Jean Paul Ndayisabye

Jean Paul Ndayisabye is a Climate Finance, Carbon Market, Renewable Energy, and Environmental & Social Safeguards expert with more than 17 years of professional experience across Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, South Korea, and India. He is proficient in Kinyarwanda, English, French, Kiswahili, and Luganda, with a working knowledge of German. He is the Founder and Lead Consultant of an environmental and climate advisory firm specializing in Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) advisory services, climate change adaptation, spatial planning, emission reduction frameworks, carbon market project development, and renewable energy initiatives. For the past six years, Jean Paul has worked with GOPA Worldwide Consultants, a German-based international consultancy, providing technical support to Rwanda's Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA). In this role, he has assessed environmental, social, governance, and climate resilience compliance for infrastructure projects financed by KfW, AFD, and LuxDev, covering roads, water supply systems, healthcare facilities, schools, administrative buildings, and electricity infrastructure. Throughout these assignments, he has actively championed the integration of renewable and low-carbon energy solutions into public infrastructure development. Over the past decade, Jean Paul has led or contributed to more than 80 Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and Environmental Audits across Rwanda and the wider East African region. He also possesses extensive expertise in carbon markets and climate finance, having managed a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) programme for seven years, first as Programme Coordinator and later as Country Director. The programme generated and traded Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) through the distribution of improved cookstoves to rural communities, enabling more than 800,000 households to transition from traditional three-stone cooking methods while delivering measurable environmental and social benefits. He is currently leading the development of a carbon market project focused on Rwanda's avocado plantations, creating new opportunities for climate finance and sustainable land management. Jean Paul has developed particular expertise in waste-to-energy and circular economy solutions. During his professional training in Renewable Energy and Climate Finance at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management in Germany, he undertook technical visits to advanced waste management and resource recovery facilities, gaining practical experience in landfill gas recovery, methane emission reduction, waste-to-energy technologies, renewable energy generation, circular economy systems, and carbon credit development. He holds a Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation from the University of Rwanda and is a Certified Expert in Renewable Energy and Climate Finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. He is an Accredited Environmental Assessor and Practitioner certified by the Rwanda Association of Professional Environmental Practitioners (RAPEP), an Accredited Mediator trained by the Edwards Mediation Academy (USA), and serves as the Founder Member and Chairperson of RAPEP, the national professional body representing approximately 347 environmental professionals and more than 100 consulting firms. Jean Paul's multidisciplinary expertise in climate finance, carbon markets, renewable energy, waste-to-energy, landfill gas recovery, ESG, and environmental safeguards positions him as a leading advisor in developing innovative projects that transform waste into clean energy while delivering sustainable environmental, social, and economic impact.

Heldos Green Solutions (HGS-Eco)

Donatille Nkunzi

Donatille Nkunzi is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Heldos Green Solutions (HGS-Eco), a clean energy company dedicated to developing green hydrogen and hydrogen derivative projects that support Africa's transition to sustainable, secure, and low-carbon energy systems. Through HGS-Eco, she leads the development of innovative hydrogen value chains, identifies strategic investment opportunities, and advances clean energy solutions that contribute to industrial decarbonization, sustainable mobility, and inclusive economic growth across the continent. With a multidisciplinary background spanning conventional energy, renewable energy, and hydrogen technologies, Donatille combines technical expertise with strategic insight into the development of emerging clean energy industries. She holds three Master's degrees in Petroleum Engineering, Renewable Energy, and Hydrogen Project Engineering, giving her a comprehensive understanding of energy resources, renewable technologies, and the engineering and implementation of hydrogen projects. Before founding HGS-Eco, Donatille gained valuable experience in Rwanda's petroleum and gas sector, working on energy resource development and infrastructure. She later expanded her expertise in France, where she contributed to the engineering and development of green hydrogen and hydrogen derivative projects, supporting feasibility studies, project engineering, and strategic planning for next-generation clean energy solutions. Donatille is also an active researcher and co-author of the paper, "Evaluation of the Potential of Green Hydrogen from Wind Energy for Heavy Mobility in Reunion Island," which explores the application of renewable hydrogen in sustainable transport systems. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to translating renewable energy potential into practical solutions that strengthen energy security, accelerate industrial transformation, and address global climate challenges. Beyond her entrepreneurial leadership, Donatille actively contributes to the international hydrogen ecosystem as a member of the Women in Green Hydrogen Network and has served as a mentor supporting knowledge sharing, professional development, and greater participation of women in the clean energy transition. Passionate about positioning Africa as a global leader in the hydrogen economy, Donatille specializes in green hydrogen project development, hydrogen value chains, renewable energy integration, clean energy investment, and strategies that accelerate Africa's sustainable energy transformation. Through HGS-Eco and her international collaborations, she continues to foster partnerships between governments, investors, industry leaders, and innovators to unlock the continent's immense clean energy potential.

University of Nairobi

Prof. Ayub N. Gitau

Prof. Ayub N. Gitau is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Kenya's premier institution of higher learning and one of Africa's leading research universities. An accomplished academic and institutional leader, he has dedicated his career to advancing excellence in higher education, research, innovation, and strategic university governance. Throughout his distinguished academic career, Prof. Gitau has held numerous leadership and administrative positions, contributing significantly to the growth of the University of Nairobi and the broader higher education sector. His leadership has focused on strengthening academic quality, expanding research capacity, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering partnerships between academia, industry, government, and international institutions. As Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gitau is committed to positioning the University of Nairobi as a globally competitive institution that drives innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Under his leadership, the university continues to advance cutting-edge research, nurture future leaders, and provide solutions to national, regional, and global challenges through education, science, technology, and innovation. Prof. Gitau is a strong advocate for knowledge-driven development, recognizing the critical role of universities in supporting economic transformation, industrialization, climate resilience, and Africa's sustainable development agenda. His work continues to strengthen the University's contribution to policy development, technological advancement, and the cultivation of highly skilled professionals who will shape the continent's future.

Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB)

Alice Umuhorakeye

Alice Umuhorakeye is the Mining Extraction and Inspection Division Manager at the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), where she leads national efforts to promote sustainable mineral resource management, strengthen regulatory compliance, and advance responsible mining practices. Since her appointment by the Cabinet of Rwanda in March 2026, she has played a key role in ensuring the country's mining sector supports both economic growth and environmental sustainability. With more than a decade of experience in environmental management, Alice has built a distinguished career in natural resource protection, environmental impact assessment, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. Prior to joining RMB, she served as a Technical Advisor at GIZ Rwanda from 2024 to 2026, where she contributed to the implementation of Rwanda's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aligning national climate commitments with policy priorities while supporting climate financing and strategic partnerships. Earlier in her career, Alice served as a Water Quality Specialist at the Rwanda Water Resources Board from 2021 to 2024 and as an Environmental Protection Specialist with the City of Kigali from 2015 to 2021. In these roles, she contributed to strengthening water quality management, environmental compliance, urban sustainability, and the protection of Rwanda's natural resources. Alice holds a Master's degree in Environmental Economics and Natural Resources Management and a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Chemistry. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP)®, combining technical expertise with internationally recognized project management skills. An accomplished public speaker and advocate for climate action, Alice moderated Rwanda's first Climate Science Symposium in May 2025, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to strengthen collaboration on climate resilience and sustainable development. Fluent in Kinyarwanda, English, and French, she is recognized for her ability to communicate across diverse audiences and lead multidisciplinary teams. Driven by a passion for environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management, Alice continues to champion responsible mining, climate resilience, and policies that support Rwanda's long-term economic prosperity while safeguarding its natural environment for future generations.