John Frédérick van Zuylen

Promoting solar energy and delicious cheese across Africa

Rwanda

About

Passionate about solar for almost 20 years and still loving it as if it was Day 1! Nowadays focusing exclusively on solar in Africa, where solar is a lot more diversified and truly unlocks economic potential. And I also help run a wonderful farm and cheese manufacturing operation in Kigali. Had a few "previous lives" as well, which you can find out more about below.

Experience

  • CEO at AFSIA (Africa Solar Industry Association)
    Oct 2018 - Present · 7 yrs 10 mos

    AFSIA is the reference association for solar professionals in Africa. The association is headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda and carries out solar-related activities and programs across Africa. Its regional coverage stretches from Egypt to South-Africa, from Cape Verde to Madagascar. AFSIA promotes solar power in the African region from large scale grid-connected projects to off-grid solar home systems, through hybrid systems including diesel and storage to solar water pumping, solar stoves or solar water heaters. AFSIA organizes networking opportunities for solar professionals and gives them access to the right information and the right network to expand their business and strengthen the solar industry across the continent.

  • CFO at La Fromagerie Rwanda
    Apr 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 4 mos

    Premium quality cheese, made in Rwanda!

  • Owner at HomeCycle
    Jun 2017 - Jun 2019 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    HomeCycle brings free-of-charge recycling at the doorstep of UAE residents. Recyclers get rewards every time they recycle. Partner brands and corporations support this recycling initiative as part of their CSR commitment.

  • Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) (1 yr 9 mos)
    • Head of Development - Africa
      Mar 2017 - Jun 2017 · 4 mos

      In charge of originating and developing utility-scale PV and wind projects in Africa. Working closely with local authorities, DFIs and local developers to bring cheap and clean energy to Africa. Always interested to hear about new opportunities and identify partnership options.

    • Business Development Manager - Africa
      Oct 2015 - Mar 2017 · 1 yr 6 mos

  • Advisor to the solar industry at Freelance
    May 2014 - Oct 2015 · 1 yr 6 mos

    Specialized in on/off-grid hybrid systems (PV-diesel, PV-diesel-battery, PV-diesel-weak grid) Advising local and international PV developers and investors about: - market research and identification of opportunities for off-grid hybrid PV-diesel solutions - project origination and analysis for off-grid hybrid PV-diesel and rooftop products - consortium partner identification and selection - identification of early-stage investment opportunities Recent advisory projects include: - market analysis for rooftop solar programme investment opportunity in Middle East - project origination for off-grid hybrid PV solutions in Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya & UAE - project management for off-grid hybrid PV solutions in Rwanda - identification of investment partner for solar desalination technology in Middle East - identification of investment partner for solar IPP in Africa