About CEPREC

Professor of Innovation for Sustainable Development at De Montfort University. Muyiwa brings expertise in circular economy and sustainable development, along with extensive experience leading international, multidisciplinary projects. He leads CEPREC, coordinate WP8, and contributes to WP5.

Royal Society Industry Fellow in Electrical Engineering at the University of Warwick. Layi specialises in power electronics and HVDC technology, with over 150 publications. He is Deputy Director (Engineering) of CEPREC, leading WP1 and contributing to WP8 and WP9.

Professor of Economics of Innovation at the University of Warwick. Giuliana focuses on technology economics and business models. She serves as Deputy Director (Social Sciences) of CEPREC, leading WP7 and contributing to WP6, WP8, and WP9.

Senior Lecturer in Electrical Machines at Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa. Bola specialises in renewable technologies, co-leads WP1, and leads activities in South Africa, contributing to WP8.

Associate Professor in Power Electronics at the University of Warwick. Jose specialises in high TRL power systems, bringing valuable insights to WP1.

Early-Career Researcher at the University of Namibia with a focus on renewable energy and microgrid design. Ester contributes to WP1.

Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Warwick, renowned for his work in battery electrochemistry and energy storage. Shanwen leads WP2.

Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering at Kigali Collaborative Research Centre, Rwanda. Barry specialises in repurposing battery systems, leads activities in Rwanda, and co-leads WP2, contributing to WP8 and WP9.

Renewable Energy Professor at Strathmore University with extensive experience in solar microgrids. Izael contributes to WP2, WP8, and WP9.

Reader in Mechanical Engineering, specialising in solar thermal technology and thermal energy storage. Stan leads WP3.

Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nigeria, with a background in thermal management systems. Howard co-leads WP3.

Early-career researcher in thermo-fluids and energy engineering at the University of Nairobi. Peter contributes to WP3 with a focus on sustainable energy systems.

Senior Lecturer in Smart Grids and Machine Learning at De Montfort University. Vijay has expertise in agent-based modelling and distributed energy. He leads WP4 on the project.

Professor of Energy Engineering at the University of Sierra Leone. Kelleh specialises in renewable energy projects, leads activities in Sierra Leone, co-leads WP4, and contributes to WP8 and WP9.

Senior Lecturer in Power Electronics at the University of Lagos. Osita brings expertise in microgrids and renewable energy systems, contributing to WP4.

Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House with expertise in circular economy and international policy. Patrick leads WP5 and contributes to WP8 and WP9.

Professor of Environmental and Natural Resources Management at the University of Namibia. Selma leads activities in Namibia, co-leads WP5, and supports WP8 and WP9.

Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House with experience in policy analysis and sustainable development. Jack supports WP5 and WP9.

Lecturer in Economics for Sustainable Development at De Montfort University. Emmanouil specialises in survey-based modelling of risk perceptions and pro-environmental activities. He leads WP6 and contributes to WP7, WP8, and WP9.

Associate Professor at the University of Lagos with expertise in pro-environmental behaviour. Victor leads activities in Nigeria, co-leads WP6, and contributes to WP8 and WP9.

Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Lagos, specialising in social dynamics in energy adoption. Obiageli contributes to WP6.

Expert in entrepreneurship and business model innovation at Strathmore University. William leads activities in Kenya, co-leads WP7, and contributes to WP8 and WP9.

Lecturer in Economics at the University of Lagos. Folakemi supports WP7, focusing on sustainability and business models.

Lecturer in Economics at Tshwane University of Technology, with a background in business model innovation. Anna contributes to WP7.

Head of Partnerships at CEPREC, with over 20 years’ experience managing partnerships across West Africa. Abi brings expertise in education and circular economy research, supporting WP5 and WP8.

Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House, focusing on African political systems. Chris leads WP9, managing multi-stakeholder research.

Sesilia Iileka is a PhD candidate at the Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC), part of the Namibia Team. Her research focuses on Work Package 1 (WP1), which explores the second life of power electronics used in electric vehicles (EVs). Specifically, her doctoral work investigates the repurposing of power converters from EVs. Sesilia aims to employ vector control techniques to reduce electrothermal stresses and extend the operational lifespan of these converters, with the goal of integrating them into solar or wind microgrid systems.

Andreas T. Ndapuka is a PhD candidate in Electrical Engineering at the University of Namibia, supported by a CEPREC scholarship under Work Package 1: Second Life Exploitation of Power Electronics. His research focuses on repurposing electric vehicle (EV) power electronics for microgrid applications, with the aim of developing affordable, sustainable energy solutions for off-grid communities in Namibia. With a background in renewable energy and electrical systems, Andreas is passionate about advancing circular economy principles through innovation in clean energy technologies.

Nebechi's PhD research in the Mechanical Engineering Department, UNN focuses on Energy Materials Technology. She earned a Master's in Sustainable Energy Materials Engineering (2024) from the African Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Power and Energy Development, UNN and holds a B.Eng in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (2022).

PhD student in Mechanical Engineering (Sustainable Energy Research Group, UNN) focusing on Energy and Thermofluids Engineering. Earned a Master's in Mechanical Engineering (2017) and a B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering (2011) from UNN.

Abiola Benjamin Aina is a PhD research student at the Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy centre(CEPREC), working under Work Package 4 (WP4), which focuses on Microgrid Network Modelling and Control. His research is focused on intelligent solutions for enhancing power quality and grid stability in microgrids, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and circular economy approaches. Abiola’s academic work combines power electronics, smart control, and resource optimization to address both power quality issues and grid instability in a microgrid.

As a Commonwealth Scholar, Mr Sallu Jaward holds a master’s in Disaster Management and Resilience from Coventry University, United Kingdom. Before this, he obtained a bachelor's in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. Mr. Jaward currently lectures at the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, where he served as a research and teaching assistant before being elevated to a full lecturer status upon acquiring his master's.

Ishaan is a Software Developer with expertise in backend development, QA, and data engineering. He holds a M.Sc. in Computing (Secure Software Engineering) from Dublin City University. Skilled in Java, Python, and SQL, I bring hands-on experience in AI, blockchain, and secure system design.

Ademola Agoro is an accomplished electrical engineer and CEO of Protogy Global Services Ltd. He is a PhD researcher at De Montfort University, Leicester, focusing on scalable, interconnected microgrids for rural Sub-Saharan Africa. A fellow of multiple engineering bodies, he has over 20 years’ experience in renewable energy and metering projects.

Edache Christian Ogbeba is a PhD researcher at CEPREC, De Montfort University, funded by UKRI and the Ayrton Fund. An alumnus of De Montfort University and currently a UN SDG Fellow. He holds an MSc (Distinction) in Energy & Sustainable Development, a B.Eng. (Electrical/Electronic), and is NEBOSH, IOSH certified

Andrew Ochieng Adwera is a PhD researcher at the Centre for Energy Policy and Climate Research (CEPREC), working under Work Package 4 (WP4), which focuses on Microgrid Network Modelling and Control. His doctoral research explores the repurposing of second-life lithium-ion batteries for integration into African decentralized energy systems, focusing on load optimization and smart storage integration in rural mini-grids.

Michael Shipepe David is a PhD researcher at the University of Namibia, affiliated with the Circular Economy Powered REnewable Energy Centre (CEPREC). He is actively contributing to Work Package 5 (WP5), which focuses on "Mapping the Value Chain for Circular Microgrid Systems." His research delves into the complexities of circular microgrid systems, aiming to identify the key challenges and untapped opportunities that can drive the development of sustainable and scalable energy solutions.

Frank Adeeko is a PhD researcher at the Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC), working under Work Package 6 (WP6), which focuses on Consumer Behaviour in the Adoption of Renewable Microgrid Technologies. His doctoral research investigates the socio-cultural drivers and barriers influencing the adoption of decentralized renewable energy solutions in rural communities across Nigeria, with an emphasis on user perception, affordability, and long-term sustainability.

Senesie Mansaray holds an M.Phil. in Energy Studies from the University of Sierra Leone-Fourah Bay College and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering from Njala University. His research experience includes renewable energy integration at Forschungszentrum Juelich, Germany, and expertise in AI-driven energy systems. Currently serves as Monitoring and Evaluation Manager at 4Ward Development- Sierra Leone specialises in energy policy, climate change, and sustainable development solutions.

Rahul is a behavioural and environmental economist and is currently pursuing his PhD at De Montfort University. His research interests lie in understanding and influencing pro-environmental behaviour, choices and decision-making by incorporating methods and theories from behavioural science and environmental economics.

Amkela Ngwenya is a PhD student at Warwick Business School, University of Warwick. His research interests lie in strategy and strategy-as-practice within SMMEs and entrepreneurial enterprises, particularly in digital contexts. Amkela has been engaged in academia since 2018, with teaching experience in distance learning environments.

Gladys is a PhD student at Strathmore University researching sustainable business models for circular microgrids in sub-Saharan Africa. With a background in Social Statistics, she has experience in energy, climate, and development research, applying systems thinking and mixed methods approaches to co-develop models for equitable and resilient clean energy transitions across diverse policy and market contexts.

Sophia Mapaze Isala is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Policy Analysis in Circular Economy at the Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC), under Work Package ( (WP9) with a focus on Impact, Policy Influence & Government Engagement. Her research focuses on governing the energy transition in Namibia, with particular emphasis on multi-level policy analysis of circular microgrids and electric mobility systems. Through her doctoral work, Sophia aims to explore how policy frameworks can effectively facilitate sustainable energy solutions, promote circular economy principles, and support Namibia’s transition to renewable energy sources.

Project Manager at De Montfort University, Leicester. She is PRINCE2 certified and has experience of managing EU funded and UKRI proposals and projects. Nitika is responsible to ensure all projects are aligned to their overall objectives, tracking milestones & deliverables, and collaborating with various international stakeholders

Mr Brima Bah holds a master's in public sector management and is the Deputy Registrar at Fourah Bay College, part of the University of Sierra Leone (USL). Since joining the USL in 2008, he has advanced through various roles. Before his appointment at FBC, he served in Research and Innovation and was Deputy Registrar at other campuses, gaining vast project management expertise.

Mr Alfred Mbayoh holds a bachelor's in Mechanical and Maintenance Engineering from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, and has 5+ years of experience in building youth capacity in engineering and innovation both locally and internationally. Mr Mbayoh has worked closely with Fourah Bay College in implementing research and innovation projects.

Maria Kativa is a Research Assistant (Engineering) at the University of Namibia. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and has experience in research, administration, and sustainable energy systems. Maria supports project implementation through research assistance, reporting, and stakeholder coordination, contributing to CEPREC’s mission of advancing renewable microgrids through circular economy innovations.

A power electronics engineer with strong interest in R&D+i projects, a career shaped to work in multidisciplinary environments to deliver highly integrated solutions to the highest standards, and good experience in industry. Currently conducting research on power electronics for enhanced integration, efficiency, and reliability at the University of Warwick.

Pineas Tomas is the Country Project Manager for Team Namibia on the CEPREC project. He is a researcher in renewable energy at the University of Namibia, with a background in Mechanical and Systems Engineering and a master’s degree in Renewable Energy, specializing in Photovoltaics. With over 13 years of experience across academia and engineering consultancy, he is committed to advancing practical, low-cost clean energy solutions including biogas, solar, and green hydrogen to support sustainable development in rural and urban communities.

He is currently the Project Manager for The Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC) Nigeria team, overseeing financial reporting and coordinating cross‑functional teams and stakeholders across different work packages. With over four years of IT project management experience, Kingsley is committed to leveraging Agile methodologies and data‑driven insights to deliver scalable clean‑energy solutions on time, ensuring stakeholder satisfaction.

Davidmac Olisa Ekeocha is an applied microeconometrician with expertise in energy, environmental, and development economics. He has over seven years’ experience leading large-scale RCTs, causal policy evaluations, and machine learning experiments for governments, academia, and development partners. His PhD at the University of Liverpool applies advanced econometric methods to assess the impacts of energy efficiency and labour market policies. Author of 13+ peer-reviewed papers, he has consulted for MTN Nigeria, London Heathrow Airport, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment. Skilled in R, SQL, Spark, and Bayesian ML, his work informs energy reform, climate adaptation, and inclusive development policy.

Afolasade Olaitan Odumuyiwa is a postdoctoral researcher at The Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC), where she investigates refugee and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) protection and sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria. Her work examines economic security and self‑reliance among refugees and integrates circular‑economy principles and renewable‑energy solutions into livelihood interventions. She is dedicated to advancing policy and governance frameworks that build resilience and deliver sustainable outcomes for vulnerable communities.

Dr. Samba Sesay holds a PhD in Information Technology. He has taught at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture for over 15 years and is now head of the Electrical and Electronic Department at Fourah Bay College. Additionally, he is a board member of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Council in Sierra Leone. His industry experience includes roles such as Product Manager at Huwawi for four years and Network Quality Manager at Comium for six years

Sheila is a project assistant at Strathmore Business School. With a background in Mechatronics Engineering, she has three years of experience in renewable energy research and project coordination, focusing on clean cooking, Solar PV systems, green hydrogen, and the Water-Energy-Food Nexus. Her work supports stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and community-based innovation for sustainable development and access to clean energy.

Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Sierra Leone, with research on environmental perceptions. Patrick contributes to WP6.

Mohua is an MBA student at Warwick Business School with a background in Law, corporate governance, and risk management, offering research support on solar adoption, energy equity, and battery integration in Kenya. Proficient in legal analysis, data interpretation, and strategic writing. Committed to delivering impactful, evidence-based insights through interdisciplinary collaboration, experienced in both academic and corporate research settings.

Research Assistant at the KCRC working under CEPREC Work Package 2 (WP2): second-life exploration of batteries. Ritah earned a BSc in Computer Engineering with a concentration in Electronics engineering from Busitema University, Uganda, and is currently pursuing a MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. Her interests are in energy systems, e-mobility, and integrating circular economy principles into sustainable energy solutions.

Iyata is a Research Assistant at the Kigali Collaborative Research Center (KCRC) and an energy access enthusiast. He holds a BSc in Computer Science from Babcock University and an MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. He pursues entrepreneurial, applied research to advance sustainable energy access across Africa.

Peter Chukwuemeka Eze holds a Mechanical Engineering B.ng degree (2022), a renewable energy innovator with expertise in solar energy systems, solar PV design, machine learning, machine design and control systems. He has developed effective tools for PV optimisation, and is presently a Mechanical Engineering M.Eng student (Thermofluids and Energy Engineering) in the Sustainable Energy Engineering Research Group.

Research assistant in the Sustainable Energy Engineering Research Group (SEERG) at UNN, presently pursuing M.Eng in Mechanical Engineering (Energy and Thermofluids Engineering). Present role has afforded developing invaluable skills in building energy modelling, renewable energy resource assessment, indoor thermal comfort analysis, and energy data analysis to support sustainable practices.

Andreas Vataleni Andreas is a Research Assistant for Team Namibia on the CEPREC project. He is a final-year Bachelor of Business Management student and brings over a decade of professional experience in financial operations, data management, field supervision, and research coordination. He is passionate about leveraging applied research and stakeholder engagement to strengthen development outcomes across Namibia.

Dr Saoke is the Director, Strathmore Energy Research Centre He manages over 20 projects to a tune of over Kshs 300 million annual budget. He lectures at JKUAT from 2008 to date where he is the thematic leader for the Renewable Energy research group at JKUAT, He is a member of the Aviation Carbon Calculator Support group (ACCS) and Fuel To Gas (FTG) technical working groups of Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) within ICAO He previously served as Director of Alumni and International Students. He is experienced in large project programming, project management and sustainability, donor relations and reporting.

Prof. Sarath B. Tennakoon is Emeritus Professor of Power Electronic Systems at Staffordshire University, UK, and a Research Fellow at the Kigali Collaborative Research Centre. He has held leadership roles including Director of the Centre for Energy Efficient Systems, Head of Engineering Research Centre, and Chair of the IEEE Power Electronics Society UKRI Chapter. A Chartered Engineer, IET Member, and IEEE Life Member, he serves on the European Power Electronics Association’s International Steering Committee. His research spans grid integration of renewables, HVDC, and DC grids, with a recent focus on productive energy use in Africa.

Wunmi Oke is the Communications Executive at CEPREC, With a background in Psychology and a strong track record in storytelling for impact, she works to bridge the gap between research, policy, and public awareness ensuring CEPREC’s work resonates with diverse audiences across Africa and beyond.