Moustafa Sowou
Summary
Energy Expert with 15 years of experience in the energy sector, specializing in renewable energy development, rural energy services, and low-carbon initiatives. Proven expertise in project design and implementation, capacity building, and policy analysis. Strong background in decentralized renewable energy solutions, including Solar PV and clean cooking technologies. Experienced in leading interdisciplinary teams and promoting gender equality and social inclusion in energy access projects across West Africa.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Party (CoP)
Mercy Corps
Senegal
08.2025 - Current
- Lead and manage the implementation of the “Facilitation of Access to Productive-Use Equipment” activity a strategic pillar of the MCC-funded Senegal Compact designed to convert increased electricity access into tangible economic opportunities for households, enterprises, and community organizations.
- Oversee program delivery in 130 newly electrified localities across five regions (Fatick, Kaolack, Kolda, Sédhiou, and Tambacounda), targeting approximately 13,000 beneficiaries with a focus on women, youth, and local cooperatives.
- Direct the facilitation of energy-efficient productive equipment (e.g., pumps, mills, cold storage, processing units) through a 100% subsidy mechanism coupled with tailored capacity-building and business support to boost livelihoods in key value chains such as agriculture, food processing, dairy, and small-scale services.
- Ensure strong coordination with MCA, MCC, government institutions, and private-sector suppliers to align implementation with national electrification and economic development strategies.
- Promote inclusive green growth by reducing women’s workload, stimulating rural entrepreneurship, and unlocking the economic potential of newly electrified communities.
- Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Senegal II – Funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), USA | Budget: USD 600 million
Energy Access Advisor
Mercy Corps
05.2023 - Current
- Provide strategic and technical leadership for energy access and low-carbon development programming across targeted countries in WCA, ensuring that interventions accelerate equitable economic growth while reducing climate and environmental risks through the promotion of sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy solutions.
- Deliver expert technical advice, capacity building, and training on clean energy and decarbonization strategies, covering program design, quality assurance, and innovation, while representing Mercy Corps at key regional and global energy and climate forums.
- Lead the operationalization of Mercy Corps’ internal decarbonization strategy, including the solarization of field and country offices to reduce carbon footprint and operational costs.
- Collaborate with country program teams to design and develop new initiatives and donor proposals, strengthen partnerships with private sector actors and development agencies, and ensure alignment with Mercy Corps’ global energy access and climate resilience strategies.
- Provide technical backstopping to ongoing programs, ensuring adherence to quality standards and integration of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) tools for results tracking, documentation, and knowledge sharing.
- Support evidence generation and research to inform policy engagement, scale successful models, and contribute to regional learning and thought leadership in clean energy access and climate-smart programming.
Regional Energy Expert
ICF International, Inc
01.2023 - 05.2023
- West Africa Energy Program (WAEP/USAID) seeks to expand the supply of and access to affordable and reliable grid-connected electricity services in West Africa, with the ultimate goal of advancing development priorities, including inclusive economic growth, security, and improved health and education outcomes.
- Supporting the development of the technical approach and methodology for the WAEP evaluation, including providing written contributions to the inception report, formulating targeted technical questions that address each evaluation’s specific objectives, harmonizing initial documentation, and working closely with the Team Lead to develop the evaluation’s methodology, tools, and protocols.
- Providing technical contributions to the WAEP evaluation, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Validating findings, providing insights regarding development context, coordinating scheduling of key information interviews, and providing sectoral knowledge, including energy-specific issues related to each program, for the evaluation.
- Providing written contributions to the draft and final evaluation reports, responding to comments, and contributing to briefs and other attachments. The Subcontractor will be responsible for helping to explain technical information in readily understandable and actionable terms in preparing the evaluation report.
- Https://www.icf.com/
Country Advisor/Senior Technical Energy Advisor
RTI International
Niger
06.2019 - 06.2022
- Technical expert on a range of electricity sector issues, including energy sector reform, which encompasses legal, regulatory, and utility reform, clean energy, energy efficiency, energy access.
- Work with government counterparts, as well as multilateral development banks, other international financial institutions, donors, foreign government officials, energy sector professionals in both the public and private sector in developing countries, and private sector developers and investors.
- Assist in national energy sector policy analysis and reforms in the off-grid space.
- Review government strategies (laws, regulations, reform) on off-grid projects and private sector involvement.
- Maintain close relationships with important private sector and government actors, including project developers, regulatory bodies, and others.
- Provide access to finance support to off-grid companies (refining their business plan to raise equity or debt through, provide executive coaching and pitch deck development, as well as supporting successful grant applications. also works directly with local financial institutions and investors to develop bankable pipelines and perform due diligence.
- Help off-grid Companies to improve their business performance, offering targeted interventions meant to improve sales, providing deep operational support in areas such as C-suite recruiting, business model development, sales strategy, product sourcing and strategic partnerships (Provided support to more than a dozen of off-grid companies at a regular basis).
- Provide technical assistance support to solar home system (SHS), PUE companies in distribution, retail including assessing potential demand and identifying potential partners for companies to reach these customers.
- USAID - Power Africa
Technical Assistant to the Ministry of Energy Niger
SNV (Netherland Development Organization)
Niger
05.2017 - 05.2019
- Green Mini-Grids (GMG) Programme in Niger/AfDB/ Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) SEFA is a 95 USD million multi-donor facility funded by the governments of Denmark, Italy, United Kingdom and the United States. It supports the sustainable energy agenda in Africa.
- Assist the project team to review the Green Mini-Grids policy document through the formulation and the validation process with stakeholders.
- Support the review of the regulatory documentation including institutional strategies, decrees, orders, policies, and framework documents that operationalizes the GMG policy and enabling framework.
- Support the extensive consultations process with stakeholders, including government, civil society, the private sector, and potential financiers.
- Assist in the organization of consultative workshops and various roundtables.
- Support the preparation of the competition framework for the GMG developers in Niger.
- Assist to organize communications effort and workshop to build awareness of the GMG opportunity.
- Provide suitable support for project preparation, capacity building of private GMG developers, identification of business cases, and feasibility studies.
- Assist in Monitoring and Evaluating the implementation of project activities through elaboration of M&E plans.
- More than two years of part time Technical Assistance provided to the Ministry of Energy in Niger, Green Mini-Grid policies adopted.
Consultant
SINTEF
Norway
10.2017 - 11.2017
- Project on Solar fuelled electric ferries for offloading road transport between the cities along the Mediterranean coast and for reducing transport related emissions / Discussions on SDG7 (Energy) in preparation to the 2018 High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
- Knowledge sharing on Biofuel project and perspectives in developing countries like Niger.
- Discussion on SINTEF project and partnership possibilities.
- Assess progress on SDG 7 including its target on energy access, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
- Identify challenges, gaps and opportunities in addressing the interlinkages of SGD with other SDGs (e.g. health, education and gender).
- Discuss the needs for capacity building to identify a set of guiding principles that can form the basis for a generic framework for capacity building to strengthen the interlinkages between SDG7 and other SGDs.
- Discuss a potential in-depth global assessment on energy with focus on energy’s interlinkages with other SDGs and a range of critical issues for global agenda to provide a foundation for evidence-based policy dialogue to advance SDG 7 and its interlinkages with other SDGs.
- Develop a roadmap leading up to the global review of SDG7 at the High-Level Political Forum in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
- One of Europe’s largest independent research organisations
Consultant
UNDESA
USA, New-York
12.2016
- Bio-Energy for sustainable transport UN DESA Energy Grant Powering the Future We Want.
- Share best practices and successful implementation of sustainable energy transport projects (SNV Solutions for sustainable transport (Migrating transportation from fossil-based energy to other alternatives such as renewable energy is one of the targets of SNV through SNV bioenergy intervention in the world).
- Highlight ground breaking innovations.
- Address challenges related to providing access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
- Discuss successful projects of various scales promoting sustainable transport.
- In-depth discussions on issues faced by organizations and/or individuals implementing sustainable transport projects.
- Awareness of major technical, managerial and financial challenges related to the implementation of these projects.
- SNV Achievement in sustainable transport (Biofuel Projects implemented in Latin America and Africa: Jatropha and palm oil in Peru and DRC).
- Challenges Discuss the future plan with BIO4TDEV (Biofuel for Transportation and Rural Development in Niger) concept.
RE Focal Point/Project Manager
Netherland Development Organisation (SNV)
Niger
08.2015 - 08.2016
- EPGAP (Energy, Poverty and Gender in Agro Processing) SNV regional program (Ghana, Burkina, Mali and Niger).
- Manage the project team and the relations with various stakeholders.
- Provide technical support to Local Capacity Builders (NGOs involved in the project implementation).
- Effective development of strategies and dissemination of practices to beneficiaries (agribusiness women and RETs producers) in utilizing renewable energy technologies to generate clean power and save costs.
- Draft ToRs for Knowledge development products (studies, surveys…).
- Organize the capitalization of the project at National level and contribute to the regional one.
- Draft progress technical reports and final report.
- Participate actively to the drafting of the scaling-up programme.
Team Lead
VSF-Belgium
Burkina Faso
03.2016 - 05.2016
- UNHCR Seed for Solution Project in the Sahel: Opportunity Study for the empowerment of Malian refugees in the Sahel region through agriculture value chain and breeding.
- Identification of promising agro-sylvo-pastoral sectors and value chains including livelihoods assessment.
- Analysis of opportunities and definition of empowerment strategies according to a community approach.
- Analysis of potential markets for sectors in the Sahelian zones.
- The mapping of promising opportunities, in connection with agriculture value chains, livestock farming in general and in related sectors, which can be carried out by refugees both in the consolidated camps (Goudebo and Mentao) and spontaneous (Oudalan) is done considering the expectations and capacities of refugees.
- Identification of the necessary support to be put in place by UNCHR/VSF to help micro-enterprises / associations carrying out these activities from production to marketing is known.
- Planning for the implementation of refugee empowerment specifying the key stages of implementation of each activity or group of activities.
Project Manager
Fondation Guri
Niger
11.2014 - 08.2015
- Climate change adaptation Project Manager/NEPAD Climate Fund.
- PROREF: Renewable Energy to enhance women in the fisheries sector.
- Provide technical support to the renewable energy technology (solar dryers…) to be used by Beneficiaries to mainstream gender in adaptation to climate change in the fisheries sector in Niger.
- Supervise study-based information, analysis, reporting and dissemination of the results.
- Provide support for the formulation, implementation and monitoring of activities.
- Supervise operational support to the project.
- Develop knowledge management tools and processes to promote learning and awareness.
Consultant/Team Leader
Multiple Clients
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Main project features: Agriculture, livestock, forestry, value chains, Productive Use of Energy.
- Conducted about 20 value chains analysis or studies in various sector including agriculture, livestock, forestry, solar energy…
- Led team of consultant’s resilient value chains study and business plan development for private companies.
- Works on value chain analysis of renewable energy markets in West Africa, with focus on PUE.
- Recommended strategic actions to unlock Agriculture and RE markets for job creation, energy security, environmental improvement, and local value addition.
- DANIDA, UNHCR, VSF-Belgium, SNV, CARE International, FAD, NEPAD, WB funded projects, Mercy Corps…
Executive Managing Director
BIOLAIT Ltd
Niger
10.2009 - 09.2011
- Develop and execute the company’s business strategies in order to attain the goals of the board.
- Provide strategic advice to the board and Chairperson so that they will have accurate view of the market and the company’s future.
- Prepare and implement comprehensive business plans to facilitate achievement by planning cost-effective operations and market development activities.
- Ensure company policies and legal guidelines are communicated all the way from the top down in the company and that they are followed at all times.
- Communicate and maintain trust relationships with shareholders, business partners and authorities.
- Oversee the company’s financial performance, investments and other business ventures.
- Delegate responsibilities and supervise the work of executives providing guidance and motivation to drive maximum performance.
- Read all submitted reports by lower rank managers to reward performance, prevent issues and resolve problems.
- Act as the public speaker and public relations representative of the company in ways that strengthen its profile.
- Analyse problematic situations and occurrences and provide solutions to ensure company survival and growth.
Financial Assistant
Peace Corps (USA)
Togo
09.2007 - 03.2008
- Consolidating data into financial statements and reports.
- Auditing various accounting transactions, payroll, final payment, travel claim to ensure correctness of disbursements and adherence to relevant staff rules, financial regulations and rules, administrative instructions and practices.
- Assisting in the processing of payments to vendors for goods and services, including calculating, inputting and checking payments for correctness and communicating any discrepancies to supervisors.
Project Manager
Youth Development and Peace Network (World Bank)
Togo
01.2007 - 08.2007
- Planning and Defining scope for all projects of the institution.
- Monitor project activities and resources to mitigate risk.
- Managing trainings and Resources planning.
- Developing budgets, financial risk management.
- Managing risks, issues and problems solving.
- Reporting to partners.
Education
MSc - Economics
Université de Lomé
01.2007
Business and Entrepreneurship Innovation - undefined
University of Maryland
01.2014
Certificate in Energy - undefined
Georgia Institute of Technology, Strategic Energy Institute
01.2015
Certificate in Project Management - undefined
Centre Henri Tudor
01.2008
Key Qualifications
- Energy Sector development
- Rural energy services
- Renewable energy development
- Low-carbon and climate friendly initiatives
- On-grid and off-grid PUE
- Clean cooking (Technologies, market development, project design and implementation)
- Renewable energy project conceptual design, assessments and implementation
- Strong background in the entire chain of decentralized renewables including Solar PV, green mini grids, biomass energy, Solar Home Systems (SHS), Productive Use of Energy (PUE) and clean cooking
- Experience in International Organization NGO and government frameworks
- Skill in coordinating capacity building activities targeting enterprises in the renewable energy sector across West Africa
- Strong expertise in sustainable development and locally integrated renewable energy solutions
- Sound capacity to depict national energy policies, analysis of regulatory frameworks
- Accustomed to work in interdisciplinary and international project teams, both as a team member and a project leader
- Proven technical expertise in gender, social inclusion, business development, markets and equality and empowerment principles, climate change, participatory planning and governance
Professional Societies
- Gender, Agriculture and climate change research network
- Energy Expert with NORCAP (Norwegian Capacity)/Rooster member
- Safe Access to Fuel and Energy (SAFE) Humanitarian Working Group
- Mini-grid Partnership
Years Of Experience
15
International Experience
- Burkina Faso, 2010-01-01, 2014-01-01, 2016-01-01, 2023-01-01, 2024-01-01
- Nigeria, 2010-01-01, 2017-01-01, 2023-01-01, 2024-01-01
- Mali, 2009-01-01, 2014-01-01, 2016-01-01, 2017-01-01, 2018-01-01, 2023-01-01
- Niger, 2008-01-01, 2025-01-01
- Togo, 2006-01-01, 2008-01-01, 2023-01-01, 2024-01-01, 2025-01-01
- Ghana, 2004-01-01, 2025-01-01
- South Africa, 2014-01-01, 2019-01-01
- USA, 2016-01-01
- Turkey, 2016-01-01, 2025-01-01
- France, 2016-01-01
- Norway, 2017-01-01
- Morocco, 2018-01-01, 2025-01-01
- Spain, 2018-01-01
- Qatar, 2019-01-01
- Ethiopia, 2019-01-01, 2024-01-01
- Senegal, 2019-01-01, 2020-01-01, 2023-01-01, 2025-01-01
- Gambia, 2025-01-01
- Benin, 2022-01-01, 2023-01-01, 2025-01-01
- Jordan, 2023-01-01
- Kenya, 2024-01-01, 2025-01-01
- Côte d’Ivoire, 2024-01-01
- DRC, 2024-01-01
- Congo, 2024-01-01
Workshops And Trainings
- Humanitarian Energy Conference (HEC) 2024, 2024-10-07, Nairobi, Kenya, Presenter and Panelist, Transformative Clean Cooking: Sustainable Delivery Models for Households and Institutions.
- Global Green Growth Week (GGGW) 2024, 2024-10-14, Panelist, Fragility, Conflict, and Green Growth: Social Inclusion in Africa
- 8th Joint Expert Working Group Meeting – Climate Commission for the Sahel Region (CCRS), 2024-10-21, Participant, Technical support during the regional expert workshop that convened representatives from 12 Sahelian member countries to advance coordination on climate adaptation and resilience initiatives.
- Stimulating Demand for Productive Use of Renewable Energy Solutions in Local Communities, 2021-07-07, Participant
- Catalysing Private Sector Investments in Decentralised Renewables to Close the Energy Access Gap, 2021-06-21, Participant
- 6th ARE Energy Access Investment Forum, 2021-03-17, Participant, Fast-tracking investments through integrated decentralised electrification policies.
- Accelerating the EU-Africa partnership for green energy transition in Africa, 2021-04-16, Participant
- ARE and Green People’s Energy side event, 2021-04-20, Participant, Importance of decentralised renewable energy (DRE) for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- ARE Technology & Innovation Forum, 2021-01-27, Participant, High-level discussions on the status quo of technological advancement to support rural electrification.
- ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum 2020, 2020-11-24, Participant
- African Energy Market Place (AEMP) Desert to Power-Unlocking the Solar Potential of the G5 Sahel Countries, 2020-11-24, Participant
- Alliance Sahel Donors round table, 2020-11-04, Niamey, Niger, Participant, Accelerating Access to Electricity in Niger: Challenges and Opportunities for the Implementation of the National Strategy.
- Safe Access to Fuel and Energy 2019 WORKSHOP, 2019-07-29, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Participant
- International conference on Solar Technologies and Hybrid Mini-Grids to improve Energy Access, 2018-10-17, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Participant
- Symposium on SDG7 (Energy), 2017-10-18, Oslo
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 12/31/1985
- Nationality: Togolese
Timeline
Chief of Party (CoP)
Mercy Corps
08.2025 - Current
Energy Access Advisor
Mercy Corps
05.2023 - Current
Regional Energy Expert
ICF International, Inc
01.2023 - 05.2023
Country Advisor/Senior Technical Energy Advisor
RTI International
06.2019 - 06.2022
Consultant
SINTEF
10.2017 - 11.2017
Technical Assistant to the Ministry of Energy Niger
SNV (Netherland Development Organization)
05.2017 - 05.2019
Consultant
UNDESA
12.2016
Team Lead
VSF-Belgium
03.2016 - 05.2016
RE Focal Point/Project Manager
Netherland Development Organisation (SNV)
08.2015 - 08.2016
Project Manager
Fondation Guri
11.2014 - 08.2015
Consultant/Team Leader
Multiple Clients
01.2011 - 01.2014
Executive Managing Director
BIOLAIT Ltd
10.2009 - 09.2011
Financial Assistant
Peace Corps (USA)
09.2007 - 03.2008
Project Manager
Youth Development and Peace Network (World Bank)
01.2007 - 08.2007
MSc - Economics
Université de Lomé
Business and Entrepreneurship Innovation - undefined
University of Maryland
Certificate in Energy - undefined
Georgia Institute of Technology, Strategic Energy Institute
Certificate in Project Management - undefined
Centre Henri Tudor