The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is convening a business briefing on May 5, 2026 at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco (Union Square) to equip U.S. companies with firsthand insight into emerging opportunities in East and Central Africa’s power sector. Delegates from major African transmission and distribution institutions will outline their security and modernization priorities and discuss where U.S. technologies, expertise, and equipment are well positioned to meet critical infrastructure needs and strengthen American commercial engagement.
Why you should attend
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Learn about near term project opportunities and bidding processes
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Gain an understanding of current power sector dynamics and policies
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Connect with key East and Central African decision-makers
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Showcase your company’s expertise
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Participate in one-on-one meeting session - Registered participants will have the opportunity to sign up for pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with attending African leaders
Business Opportunities
Participating delegates are interested in:
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AI-enabled grid control systems
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Grid-enhancing technologies
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Energy storage
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Energy stability solutions
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Advanced conductors and cables
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Financing mechanisms to support project implementation
Learn more about upcoming USTDA U.S. - Africa Grid Security Industry Engagements planned in 2026.
Tuatara Group is organizing the East and Central Africa Grid Security Business Briefing on behalf of the USTDA. For more information, contact Pamela Peseux, Tuatara Group at peseux@tuataragroup.com +1.301.335.1725.
REGISTRATION
Business Briefing:
Opportunities in East and Central Africa's Power Sector
May 5, 2026 | San Francisco, CA
Grand Hyatt San Francisco (Union Suare)
345 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Agenda
1:00 - Registration
1:30 - Welcome and Introductions
2:00 - Delegate Presentations
3:00 - Networking Break
3:30 - Delegate Presentations
4:30 - One-on-One Meetings - Attendees will have a chance to sign up for several short meetings with the participating delegates.
There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required
Attendance to this event is limited to U.S. and African individuals , firms, or consultants as defined by USTDA’s Nationality Source and Origin Requirements available on USTDA’s website at www.USTDA.gov.
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
Portland,OR
Meet East and Central Africa Power Utility Leaders and Learn about Upcoming Modernization Project Opportunities.
As part of the East and Central Africa Grid Security Reverse Trade Mission, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency is hosting a morning networking event on Friday, May 8, 2026 8:30 -10:30 am at the Paramount Hotel in Portland, OR
Join us to meet with the African power utility executives and gain firsthand insight into emerging opportunities in securing and modernizing East and Central Africa’s transmission and distribution systems.
May 8, 2026 l 8:30 -10:30 AM
The Paramount Hotel - 808 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR
There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required
Attendance to this event is limited to U.S. and African individuals , firms, or consultants as defined by USTDA’s Nationality Source and Origin Requirements available on USTDA’s website at www.USTDA.g
BACKGROUND
Transmission and distribution networks play a vital role in sub-Saharan Africa, where rapid population growth, accelerating urbanization, and rising industrial demand are driving the need for secure, modern power infrastructure. Investment in electricity generation in the region has historically outpaced transmission and distribution by a factor of four, resulting in inefficiencies, stranded assets, power shortages and costly emergency energy solutions.
To help close this gap and strengthen the foundation for efficient, reliable electricity trade across Africa, regional planners and power institutions are prioritizing major interconnection and T&D modernization efforts. These initiatives open the door for trusted U.S. technologies, engineering expertise, and high-quality equipment to support regional grids, reduce long-term costs, and expand access to reliable power for communities throughout the continent.
DELEGATION
REGIONAL
Mr. James Karari Wahogo, Secretary General, East Africa Power Pool (EAPP)
Mr. Zelalem Gebrehiwot Kintamo, Technical Director, East Africa Power Pool (EAPP)
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (DRC)
Mr. Papy Onokoko Tonda, Technical Director
ANSER – Agence Nationale de l’Électrification et des Services Énergétiques
en milieux Rural et périurbain
Mr. Olivier Ebalantshim, Engineer (Grid Specialist)
ANSER – Agence Nationale de l’Électrification et des Services Énergétiques en milieux Rural et périurbain
ETHIOPIA
Mr. Ashebir Balcha, CEO, Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP)
Eng. Mikias Wondimu, National Load Dispatch Center (NLDC) Director,
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP)
Eng. Getu Geremew, CEO, Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU)
Mr. Michael Debela Gossa, Chief IT Officer, Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU)
KENYA
Hon. Alex Kamau Wachira, Principal Secretary
State Department for Energy, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Kenya
Mr. Labanson Mwai, Assistant to the Principal Secretary
State Department for Energy, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Kenya
Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias, Ag. MD & CEO
Kenya Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd. (KETRACO)
Mr. Samson Akuto, GM System Operation and Power Management
Kenya Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd. (KETRACO)
Dr. John Kipyegon Ngeno, General Manager, Supply Chain & Logistics
Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC)
Eng. Aggrey Chesambuli Machasio, General Manager, Business Strategy
Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC)
Dr. Jeremiah Kiplagat, Director, Institute of Energy Studies & Research
Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC)
Mr. John Ihuthia, General Manager Power Purchase
Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC)
UGANDA
Mr. Paul Mwesigwa, Managing Director
Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. (UEDCL)
Mr. Protaze Tibyakinura, Chief Engineering & Technical Service Officer
Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. (UEDCL)
Traveling with the Delegation
Mr. Michael Mugo, Country Representative (East and Central Africa),
U.S. Trade and Development Agency
Ms. Yemesrach Kassu, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Foreign Commercial Service, Ethiopia
About the Delegation Entities
REGIONAL (EAST AFRICA)
East Africa Power Pool (EAPP)
EAPP is the regional institution coordinating power‑sector planning, grid interconnection, and cross‑border electricity trade among East African countries.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (DRC)
ANSER (Agence Nationale d’Électrification et des Services Énergétiques en milieux Rural et Périurbain)
ANSER is the national rural electrification agency that designs, finances, and oversees off‑grid and mini‑grid electrification programs in rural and peri‑urban areas.
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP)
EEP is the state-owned enterprise responsible for power generation and transmission infrastructure, including major hydropower projects and regional interconnectors.
Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU)
EEU manages electricity distribution and customer service nationwide, operating medium‑ and low‑voltage networks and retail operations.
KENYA
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Ltd. (KETRACO)
KETRACO is Kenya’s state-owned transmission utility responsible for planning, constructing, and operating the national high‑voltage grid, including regional interconnectors.
Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC)
KPLC is the national distribution and retail utility that manages medium‑ and low‑voltage networks and serves end‑use customers across Kenya.
State Department for Energy, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Kenya
Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum (MoEP) is the central government body responsible for energy policy, sector planning, and oversight across electricity, petroleum, and renewable energy. It develops and implements national energy policies to ensure reliable, affordable, safe, and sustainable energy, aligning with Kenya Vision 2030 and national development agendas.
UGANDA
Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. (UEDCL)
UEDCL oversees distribution assets, rural electrification concessions, and regulatory compliance for distribution operators across Uganda.
ABOUT USTDA
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is the U.S. government’s first mover on critical infrastructure development in emerging markets, advancing the shared strategic priorities of the United States and our overseas partners while creating opportunities to deploy trusted U.S. solutions. USTDA funds the upfront technical work that accelerates the development of infrastructure projects, helping them attract the financing they need for implementation and procurement of U.S. goods and services. USTDA also hosts activities that promote infrastructure partnerships with the United States.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency
1101 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 1100
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: +1-703-875-4357