As GreenMax celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024, I find myself reflecting on my journey with this remarkable organization. A year and a half ago, I joined GMX to contribute to its mission of managing funds to enhance the productive use of energy in sub-Saharan Africa through the CEI Africa initiative. This initiative, established by KfW on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development in 2021, aims to provide catalytic capital for energy access projects, including technologies like mini-grids, standalone solar, and productive use of energy. My role involves supporting the Smart outcomes-based component, which is also backed by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC), to promote energy productivity in rural communities.

Working alongside our consortium partners, Triple Jump & Persistent, we’ve forged co-financing and market development collaborations with leading European crowd lenders, other private fund managers, donors, African governments, and energy regulators. This positions us for a future full of exciting opportunities. (Go to our News section to read more about CEI Africa’s progress.)

As we celebrate this significant anniversary, I want to take a moment to reflect on my experience with GreenMax and the achievements we’ve reached together. The following highlights are just a glimpse of the journey:

My First Steps at GreenMax

I vividly remember my first day at GMX, where I was welcomed by a team brimming with passion and a clear vision centered on our mission: using electricity as a catalyst for economic and social development through the productive use of energy. From the beginning, I was struck by the potential impact of our initiatives. Our goal goes beyond providing electricity; it’s about fostering entrepreneurial opportunities, hope, and a brighter future for rural communities.

The Team

At GreenMax, I have the privilege of working with a diverse group of professionals, including engineers, bankers, consultants, project managers, and developers. This team is not only exceptionally talented but also dynamic and committed to our initiatives. Despite our geographical diversity, we share common values: humility, a willingness to share knowledge, and a dedication to helping one another.

Team Spirit and Collaboration

Despite our varied backgrounds and expertise, there is exceptional collaboration across departments. The synergy between the consulting group, transaction advisory team, and fund management team is remarkable, showcasing our collective ability to work together and share insights effectively.

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, I am excited about the future. The challenges ahead are significant, but with our talented and dedicated team, I am confident that we will continue to achieve new milestones and expand our impact. Together, we will advance our mission and reach even more communities.