Energizing Africa: How EU Financing is Changing the Renewable Landscape?
Isabel Cancela de Abreu is an Environmental Engineer with an Executive Master on Sustainable Energy Systems. Her experience in renewable energies started at APREN, the Portuguese Renewable Energy Association, where she was Director of the Technical Department. Isabel Cancela de Abreu was afterwards invited to work as Policy Adviser at EREC, the European Renewable Energy Council. Later on, she decided to take advantage of her national and international experience to found ALER, the Lusophone Renewable Energy Association, where she now works as Executive Director. In addition, Isabel was also a social volunteer in Niassa - Mozambique, and did an internship at Grameen Shakti in Bangladesh to learn about their microcredit and Solar Home Systems programs.
Miguel Pereira Mendes is a seasoned Business Development and Strategy Executive with over 10 years of experience in the renewable energy sector with a sharp focus on Africa and Latin America. With a strong background with prestigious institutions such as the IFC and IMF, he has lived and worked across continents, immersing himself in diverse business environments including Europe, the US, Latin America, and Africa. Miguel Pereira Mendes holds a Master’s degree in International Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University, specializing in emerging markets.
Alina Orrico serves as the Team Europe & Global Gateway Adviser at EDFI, the association representing the collective interests of 15 European Development Finance Institutions. With a background spanning thirteen years of experience across various regions including North America, Central America, the Middle East and Europe. Alina's expertise lies in European Union policies and intra-donor coordination, particularly due to her experience from her time as a former UNESCO and development practitioner for the Spanish and The Netherlands development cooperation agencies. She is deeply involved in assisting DFIs in finding synergies between their strategies and European policy priorities, while maximizing their impact in emerging markets where she has spent half of her life.
João Fonseca Santos joined the European Investment Bank in 2014, starting in the monitoring and restructuring department. By 2017, he transitioned to structuring operations in Portugal, and in 2021, he became an advisor to Vice-President Ricardo Mourinho Félix, focusing on institutional, strategic, governance, and operational matters and supporting in areas including the Blue Economy, Funding and Treasury, Multiannual Financial Framework, and institutional relations in Portugal, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. In September 2023, he assumed the role of Head of EIB Group Office in Portugal. Before his time at EIB, he worked in Private Equity and Corporate Finance in Portugal where he began his career in 2008. He holds a Master's in Finance and a Management degree from the Nova School of Business and Economics in Lisbon.
Energy Finance Specialist focusing on small and medium Renewable Energy (RE) project development and finance in emerging and developing markets. More than 15 years of experience in sub-Sahara Africa, East Asia and Eastern Europe. Mix of deep technical and financing knowledge with hands-on experience in RE project development, project finance and structuring. Strong expertise in handling complex deals by aligning all stakeholders and providing Business Coaching. Established trainer and MBA course lecturer on RE project finance.
Corentin Billiet is a Senior Investment Officer for ElectriFI, the Electrification Financing Initiative funded by the European Union, committed to increase access to clean energy in emerging markets. Corentin worked with numerous entrepreneurs and SMEs on building impactful organizations throughout Africa, Europe and Asia. In recent years, he closed over USD 20 million in direct equity and debt investments, that in turn helped achieved significant environmental and social impact in the energy, education, or circular economy sectors among others.
With over 15 years of international experience in Europe and Latin America, Edgar Arieira brings a rich background in the construction and development of renewable energy projects, including wind farms, photovoltaic (PV) plants, and critical electrical infrastructure. Edgar Arieira, who holds a master's degree in Electrical Engineering, serves as the General Manager at Green Venture, expertly leading complex projects through all phases of the lifecycle, from conception to completion. His extensive knowledge and strategic insight make him a leading figure in the renewable energy sector.
