It all started with a conversation. Following the presentation of “How open source can enable your next microgrid community project?”  by Arila Barnes, the founder of Energy IoT Open Source, at the LF Energy Summit 2024 in Brussels. Our discussion quickly turned to the possibilities of open-source solutions for microgrids in Africa.  Arila’s passion for democratizing energy through technology was contagious, and I knew that this was the beginning of something bigger than just an exchange of ideas.

As an Ambassador of the Linux Foundation Energy, my goal has always been to bridge the gap between open-source energy technologies and real-world implementation. Arila and I shared a vision: enabling African communities to harness clean, sustainable energy while fostering local innovation. This conversation led to what is now a growing movement in Cameroon, one that involves local businesses, students, and policy experts working together to bring decentralized energy solutions to off-grid communities.

Building Synergies for a Sustainable Future

The journey toward energy equity requires more than just technical solutions—it necessitates collaboration between key players across academia, industry, and open-source communities. When I first reached out to Energy IoT Open Source, I saw a unique opportunity to bring together diverse stakeholders to develop and implement microgrid solutions in Africa.

In Cameroon, the need for sustainable energy solutions is critical, and the key to making this work was forming a strong network of local and international contributors. That is how I fostered collaboration between Solkamtech, represented by Serge Bukam, and Renewable Energy Innovators (REI) Cameroun, represented by Jude Numfor. These two companies have complementary expertise: Solkamtech specializes in deploying solar energy solutions, while REI focuses on energy innovation and sustainable electrification. By working with these two entities, we created a framework where their expertise could be leveraged for the benefit of rural communities.

Introducing Local Leaders Behind the Initiative

Jude Numfor is a Cameroonian entrepreneur dedicated to electrifying rural communities in Africa. He is the Founder and CEO of Renewable Energy Innovators Cameroon (REIc), a social enterprise focused on providing clean and reliable energy to off-grid areas. Under his leadership, REIc has implemented significant projects, including expanding an 11 kW microgrid to 30 kW in the Sabongari community, improving electricity access for approximately 7,000 people.

In addition to his role at REIc, Jude Numfor serves as a Board Member of the Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA), working with industry leaders to advance minigrid development in Africa. He is also a Governing Board Member of IEEE Smart Village, an initiative that integrates sustainable electricity solutions, education, and entrepreneurship to empower off-grid communities. Through his work at REIc and contributions to organizations such as AMDA and IEEE Smart Village, Jude Numfor is committed to sustainable development and improving living conditions in African rural communities.

Serge Bukam is a Cameroonian entrepreneur and expert in solar energy solutions. He is the Founder of Solkamtech SARL, a leading solar energy consultancy in Cameroon. After completing his environmental engineering studies at HTW Berlin, Germany, he returned to Cameroon with the support of the German government’s ZIM programme to build the country's first solar minigrid.

Under his leadership, Solkamtech has expanded rapidly and is now recognized as one of the top solar energy consulting firms in the country, with an extensive track record of successful projects. Currently, Solkamtech focuses on deploying solar minigrids and PAYGO solar home systems in Cameroon's Northern region, contributing to sustainable electrification and energy access in underserved communities.

Carl Mbeng, the Founder of Resourceprime, a Cameroonian company specializing in relations with authorities, regulatory frameworks, and energy policy matters. Carl brings extensive experience in navigating the regulatory landscape, establishing governmental partnerships, and ensuring the compliance of microgrid projects with national policies.

These three leaders—Jude Numfor, Serge Bukam, and Carl Mbeng—are the cornerstone of our initiative in Cameroon, ensuring that our projects are technically sound, financially sustainable, and aligned with national energy policies. Their contributions are instrumental in creating a robust and scalable model that can be replicated across other African countries.

Involving the Next Generation: Students at the Heart of Innovation

Recognizing the importance of youth involvement, I sought to integrate students from the IUT (University Institute of Technology) Fotso Victor of Bandjoun, National Polytechnic School of Yaoundé, University of Douala and National Polytechnic School of Maroua in Cameroon into the initiative. These students bring fresh perspectives, technical knowledge, and a willingness to learn. Through this collaboration, they engage in hands-on work, applying their theoretical knowledge to real-world projects, and contributing to the design, implementation, and evaluation of microgrid solutions.

Involving students also means creating opportunities for mentorship and skill development. Many of these young professionals will be future engineers, entrepreneurs, and researchers in the field of energy. Giving them exposure to real-world projects ensures they gain practical experience and a deep understanding of renewable energy challenges in Africa.

Creating a Mentorship Program with the Linux Foundation (LF)

One of my key contributions to this initiative was the idea of establishing a mentorship program in collaboration with the Linux Foundation. This program serves multiple purposes:

It provides a structured framework for collaboration between local companies, students, and global experts.

It enables knowledge sharing and technical guidance through experienced mentors,  and the LF Energy - Hyphae APIS program.

It ensures that young professionals gain exposure to best practices in open-source energy solutions, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

It supports the standardization and open-source governance of microgrid solutions, making it easier for communities to adopt and sustain them.

By defining clear roles and responsibilities, the mentorship program ensures that stakeholders remain engaged and motivated to drive impact. The program also emphasizes research collaboration, ensuring that microgrid technologies continue to evolve based on scientific inquiry and technological advancements.

Looking Ahead: Part 3 - Strengthening Local Collaboration and Scaling Up

As we move forward, the next phase of this journey will focus on strengthening the collaboration between local businesses and students in Cameroon. The upcoming blog post will highlight:

How Solkamtech and REI are integrating students into their projects.

The first tangible results of the mentorship program and student participation.

Early outcomes from the first microgrid deployments and the impact on local communities.

How we are working to raise funds to accelerate the support for local enterprises and scale up the project’s reach.

This journey is only beginning, and with each new partnership, mentorship, and project, we are collectively advancing the future of sustainable energy in Africa.

Together, through open collaboration and shared knowledge, we can illuminate communities—one village at a time.