Welcome to the 39th episode of the #MyEnergyLife series, a weekly LinkedIn feature designed to highlight, engage with, and empower emerging energy professionals across Africa. Through a series of articles, we will explore the many career paths that exist in the energy industry. Our aim is to provide valuable insights and counsel to support the career aspirations of young professionals in the energy industry.
In this episode, we meet Getty Kasole , DRC & Benin Coordinator at Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Universal Energy Facility. Getty Kasole shares her story of how she got started in the energy industry, detailing her initial challenges and offering invaluable advice to fellow young professionals seeking their path in this dynamic industry.
Full Name
Current Company Name
Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Universal Energy Facility
Current Job Title
DRC & Benin Coordinator
Specialization
Grant financier
Country of Origin
DRC
Tell us about your journey in the energy industry.
I began my professional journey in the energy sector with a Program Engineer Internship at Exelon Nuclear Partners LLC, Braidwood Generating Station in Illinois. During my tenure, I played a key role in identifying and implementing quality efficiency improvements, which resulted in over $250,000 in cost savings for future outages. This experience provided me with a deep understanding of nuclear energy operations, project management, and the importance of stringent safety and quality standards in the energy sector.
Following this, I joined AECOM in Chicago as a Mechanical Engineering Intern, where I designed HVAC systems for the US Army Battle Simulation Facility. This experience further solidified my expertise in energy systems and project management. After completing my degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, I continued with AECOM as a Water Engineer in Austin, TX. In this role, I was involved in critical projects, including FEMA ‘s Hurricane Harvey Rapid Response and various flood hazard assessments. My work involved complex project management, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and client relationship management.
Driven by a passion for renewable energy and sustainable development, I founded Solafrica in 2019. As CEO & Founder, I assembled a diverse team to spearhead projects across the US, Kenya, Belgium, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Notable achievements include the development of a 3MW hybrid solar installation in Kinshasa and the successful introduction of thermal solar water heaters and solar air conditioning systems in urban markets. My role involved strategic planning, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and financial management, resulting in significant growth and profitability for the company.
Currently, I am involved in several high-impact projects. As the DRC & Benin Coordinator for Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) ‘s Universal Energy Facility, I oversee the expansion and operational processes to enhance energy access. With GK Consulting, I serve as an Institutional Expert for the NEFCO-funded BGFA program, building stakeholder relationships and advocating for off-grid energy solutions. Additionally, I have worked with GreenMax Capital Group on the World Bank’s ESMAP initiative and as an Expert Consultant for Chemonics International on the Power Africa bid, contributing my expertise in market intelligence and stakeholder management.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions, fostering strategic partnerships, and leading multidisciplinary teams to achieve impactful outcomes.
What do you do in your current role at your company?
In my current role, I serve as the DRC & Benin Coordinator for Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) ‘s Universal Energy Facility (UEF). My responsibilities include coordinating the expansion of the UEF in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin, overseeing project management initiatives, and streamlining operational processes to enhance the UEF framework. I engage with government stakeholders, collaborate with development partners, and provide technical assistance to strengthen the mini-grid investment environment.
Could you describe your typical day at work?
My day often involves a mix of in-person and online meetings. Based in Kinshasa, I take every opportunity to meet stakeholders face-to-face whenever possible. I typically work from home, the GK Consulting office, or my favorite coffee shop, Muskoka. This flexibility allows me to effectively manage my responsibilities while maintaining strong connections with local and international partners.
“What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to offer technical support to local companies, empowering them to thrive.”
What are some of the challenges you have faced in the industry?
In the rapidly evolving energy landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), operating within a newly liberalized environment means that stakeholders across the sector are continually adapting and learning. With new laws and regulations being crafted based on ground-level experiences, there’s a dynamic process of refinement underway. Moreover, navigating the country’s political climate adds complexity to securing financing for energy projects. Despite these hurdles, there are numerous success stories emerging, underscoring the resilience and potential of the industry. I remain optimistic that with ongoing collaboration and innovation, these challenges can be overcome, paving the way for continued progress and success in the DRC’s energy sector.
What is the most fun thing you love about your work?
What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to offer technical support to local companies, empowering them to thrive.
How do you balance work and life?
I prioritize my family, and make sure to travel and dance often.
What are the core hard skills someone in your field should have?
Hard skills include proficiency in project management, data analysis, regulatory compliance, technical expertise in energy systems and technologies.
What soft skills should someone in your field have?
The ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, navigate complex regulatory environments, as well as being able to shapeshift based on the audience.
What is the best thing about your work?
The most fulfilling aspect of my work is witnessing the transformative impact of providing electricity to people. Access to reliable energy not only improves quality of life by powering homes, schools, and hospitals but also drives economic development and empowers communities. Being able to contribute to initiatives that bring light and opportunity to underserved areas is incredibly rewarding and underscores the profound significance of the work we do in the energy sector.
What would you consider a highlight of your career?
I’d like to think it’s still ahead of me.
“The most fulfilling aspect of my work is witnessing the transformative impact of providing electricity to people.”
What are you passionate about outside of work?
My main passions are traveling and dancing. I’ve been to over 40 countries and have been training in Brazilian zouk for over 6 years.
How do you think that your work makes a difference in the energy space?
I believe that our work makes a significant difference in the energy space by addressing critical needs and driving positive change, particularly for the most vulnerable communities. Through the grants we provide and the programs we implement, we are able to directly impact the lives of those who are often marginalized and underserved. By supporting initiatives that promote clean and sustainable energy solutions, we not only enhance access to electricity but also contribute to environmental conservation and mitigate the effects of climate change. Our efforts not only improve energy access but also foster economic growth, health, and education outcomes in communities across the region.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?
Welcome, there is so much to do, find what you enjoy.
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See you in the next article!
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