EMMANUEL MICHAEL BIRIRIZA
Dar Es Salaam
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in the energy sector, specialising in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and project development. Demonstrates a strong track record in financing and investments, fostering an enabling environment for sustainable energy projects. Proficient in policy formulation, strategic planning, and capacity building to support climate change-related interventions including adaptation and mitigation. Skilled in technical feasibility studies, engineering design, and business planning to ensure successful project implementation and stakeholder coordination. Committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovative strategies and comprehensive project management.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
CHIEF TECHNICAL DIRECTOR (RETAINER)
GEOWIND POWER TANZANIA LIMITED
2026.02 - 2026.03
- Providing technical direction and validation across all project preparation activities.
- Supporting and endorsing Geowind Power Tanzania Ltd intent to apply for Project Preparation Funding from relevant development finance mechanisms, including those accessible through the SADC etc.
- Assisting engagement with other funding institutions and agencies, including the African Development Bank, Tanzania Investment Bank, and the Rural Energy Agency.
- Providing technical input required by financiers, regulators, and transaction advisors.
CHIEF TECHNICAL DIRECTOR (RETAINER)
GEOWIND POWER TANZANIA LIMITED
2026.02 - 2026.03
- Providing technical direction and validation across all project preparation activities.
- Supporting and endorsing Geowind Power Tanzania Ltd intent to apply for Project Preparation Funding from relevant development finance mechanisms, including those accessible through the SADC etc.
- Assisting engagement with other funding institutions and agencies, including the African Development Bank, Tanzania Investment Bank, and the Rural Energy Agency.
- Providing technical input required by financiers, regulators, and transaction advisors.
REGIONAL ENERGY ADVISOR (East, South, and the Horn of Africa)
NORCAP/NORWEGIAN REFUGEE COUNCIL
Oslo
2023.06 - 2026.03
- Provide strategic support to NORCAP's headquarters' Green Shift team in providing energy access services to its partners and stakeholders aligned with its strategic objective to (a) decarbonise energy systems for host agencies through the reduction of energy consumption and operational costs, (b) increase institutional uptake of renewable energy systems for partner agencies and stakeholder groups, (c) accelerate energy access for beneficiaries for lighting, cooking and productive use, and (d) support the development and integration of energy projects and strategies within organisations' programmes at the global, regional and country levels.
- Work closely with NORCAP partners (primarily United Nations Agencies), hosting deployment missions to achieve the wider objectives in accelerating the wide uptake of sustainable energy solutions within their areas of operations: Facilitate high levels of data collection and assessments; Facilitate knowledge exchange, technical backstop, peer-to-peer support, and coordination between experts working in national, regional, and global roles; Support the development of new initiatives.
- Fundraise and map opportunities for energy projects and initiatives in the region; Maintain and expand the network of partners for collaboration at the international, regional, and national level; Identify and map context specific policies, plans and strategies; Serve as an effective spokesperson and establish collaboration and partnerships with key officials and stakeholders at all levels in the region.
REGIONAL ENERGY ADVISOR (East, South, and the Horn of Africa)
NORCAP/NORWEGIAN REFUGEE COUNCIL
Oslo
2023.06 - 2026.03
- Provide strategic support to NORCAP's headquarters' Green Shift team in providing energy access services to its partners and stakeholders aligned with its strategic objective to (a) decarbonise energy systems for host agencies through the reduction of energy consumption and operational costs, (b) increase institutional uptake of renewable energy systems for partner agencies and stakeholder groups, (c) accelerate energy access for beneficiaries for lighting, cooking and productive use, and (d) support the development and integration of energy projects and strategies within organisations' programmes at the global, regional and country levels.
- Work closely with NORCAP partners (primarily United Nations Agencies), hosting deployment missions to achieve the wider objectives in accelerating the wide uptake of sustainable energy solutions within their areas of operations: Facilitate high levels of data collection and assessments; Facilitate knowledge exchange, technical backstop, peer-to-peer support, and coordination between experts working in national, regional, and global roles; Support the development of new initiatives.
- Fundraise and map opportunities for energy projects and initiatives in the region; Maintain and expand the network of partners for collaboration at the international, regional, and national level; Identify and map context specific policies, plans and strategies; Serve as an effective spokesperson and establish collaboration and partnerships with key officials and stakeholders at all levels in the region.
CO-FOUNDER
NISHATI ASSOCIATES LIMITED
Tanzania
2012.01 - 2026.03
- Provide strategic company direction in managing resources and operations (human resources, financial management and project management).
- Undertake consultancies and project implementation in the areas of renewable energy/minigrids, energy efficiency and climate change.
- Undertake technical design and financing of renewable energy projects.
- Manage the development and operation of mini-grids powered by renewable energy sources. (The company owns one hydro-based mini-grid project providing electricity to the entire village in Tanzania).
CO-FOUNDER
NISHATI ASSOCIATES LIMITED
Tanzania
2012.01 - 2026.03
- Provide strategic company direction in managing resources and operations (human resources, financial management and project management).
- Undertake consultancies and project implementation in the areas of renewable energy/minigrids, energy efficiency and climate change.
- Undertake technical design and financing of renewable energy projects.
- Manage the development and operation of mini-grids powered by renewable energy sources. (The company owns one hydro-based mini-grid project providing electricity to the entire village in Tanzania).
ENERGY SECTOR ANALYST (RETAINER)
EXPERTISE FRANCE
2023.11 - 2025.12
- Support Preparation of The Energy Sector Reviews for Tanzania's Energy Statistics Project.
- Support the Ministry of Energy in convening Energy Sector Public Dialogues and prepare the biannual energy sector reviews covering the entire value chain of energy from the demand and supply side.
- Covering energy sources, energy carriers and end applications (electricity, petroleum, cooking, etc.). Review of the trends, challenges and opportunities in the sector including sector performance.
- Coordinate the review process and support the Ministry of energy in developing the sector review reports.
ENERGY SECTOR ANALYST (RETAINER)
EXPERTISE FRANCE
2023.11 - 2025.12
- Support Preparation of The Energy Sector Reviews for Tanzania's Energy Statistics Project.
- Support the Ministry of Energy in convening Energy Sector Public Dialogues and prepare the biannual energy sector reviews covering the entire value chain of energy from the demand and supply side.
- Covering energy sources, energy carriers and end applications (electricity, petroleum, cooking, etc.). Review of the trends, challenges and opportunities in the sector including sector performance.
- Coordinate the review process and support the Ministry of energy in developing the sector review reports.
URBAN ENERGY SPECIALIST (ENERGY ACCESS, RENEWABLE ENERGY & ENERGY EFFICIENCY)
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME (UN-HABITAT)
Nairobi
2021.04 - 2023.06
- Under deployment of NORCAP/NRC Norway to UNHABITAT HQ in Nairobi - Work on energy-related issues within UN-Habitat ecosystem.
- Specifically promoting low-carbon economy through enhanced sustainable urban development through efficient use of energy, inclusion of renewable energy and working on improving energy access in urban settings in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
- Work on capacity building, policy advocacy, and efficient technology deployment to promote sustainable energy interventions within urban and peri-urban settlements.
- Provide technical assistance on fundraising aspects in promoting low-carbon energy interventions in line with international frameworks/conventions to tape financing for renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy access from such carbon financing windows/institutions like the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Mitigation Action Facility (formerly NAMA), among others.
URBAN ENERGY SPECIALIST (ENERGY ACCESS, RENEWABLE ENERGY & ENERGY EFFICIENCY)
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME (UN-HABITAT)
Nairobi
2021.04 - 2023.06
- Under deployment of NORCAP/NRC Norway to UNHABITAT HQ in Nairobi - Work on energy-related issues within UN-Habitat ecosystem.
- Specifically promoting low-carbon economy through enhanced sustainable urban development through efficient use of energy, inclusion of renewable energy and working on improving energy access in urban settings in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
- Work on capacity building, policy advocacy, and efficient technology deployment to promote sustainable energy interventions within urban and peri-urban settlements.
- Provide technical assistance on fundraising aspects in promoting low-carbon energy interventions in line with international frameworks/conventions to tape financing for renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy access from such carbon financing windows/institutions like the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Mitigation Action Facility (formerly NAMA), among others.
NATIONAL ENERGY EXPERT (RETAINER)
LTS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, SCOTLAND, UK
Tanzania
2019.11 - 2021.06
- Provision of technical assistance services on the Bioenergy for Sustainable local energy services and Energy Access in Africa (BSEAA) project - the Academic Research Project of Transforming Energy Access (TEA) programme and investigates how to improve the effectiveness and commercial viability of bio-energy technology in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
- Contributing to the overall scope of identifying the challenges and opportunities affecting the adoption and roll-out of bio-energy technology across SSA.
- Undertake to investigate techno-economic barriers, supply chain, market and policy issues, and propose creative financial solutions to increase the attractiveness of bio-energy-based technological solutions under local conditions.
- Specifically looking at Technology Readiness, energy output from 10kWe - 5MWe, commercial and productive use, electricity and heat in industrial and commercial settings.
NATIONAL ENERGY EXPERT (RETAINER)
LTS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, SCOTLAND, UK
Tanzania
2019.11 - 2021.06
- Provision of technical assistance services on the Bioenergy for Sustainable local energy services and Energy Access in Africa (BSEAA) project - the Academic Research Project of Transforming Energy Access (TEA) programme and investigates how to improve the effectiveness and commercial viability of bio-energy technology in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
- Contributing to the overall scope of identifying the challenges and opportunities affecting the adoption and roll-out of bio-energy technology across SSA.
- Undertake to investigate techno-economic barriers, supply chain, market and policy issues, and propose creative financial solutions to increase the attractiveness of bio-energy-based technological solutions under local conditions.
- Specifically looking at Technology Readiness, energy output from 10kWe - 5MWe, commercial and productive use, electricity and heat in industrial and commercial settings.
ENERGY SPECIALIST
UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)
Tanzania
2018.11 - 2020.12
- Under deployment of NORCAP/NRC Norway to UNHCR Tanzania - Work as the person in charge of the energy sector within the humanitarian sector, devising policies, strategies and plans on sustainable energy solutions for the humanitarian settings, looking at crowding-in private sector investments as one of the solutions.
- Act as an interlocutor between UNHCR management and external stakeholders.
- Provide technical assistance on assessing energy use and patterns within UNHCR operational activities, refugee camps and surrounding communities, develop sustainable energy solutions to reduce operational costs, introduce renewable energy to the energy generation mix and reduce its carbon footprint.
- Work on energy and environmental issues that improve peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities and safeguard the environment.
ENERGY SPECIALIST
UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)
Tanzania
2018.11 - 2020.12
- Under deployment of NORCAP/NRC Norway to UNHCR Tanzania - Work as the person in charge of the energy sector within the humanitarian sector, devising policies, strategies and plans on sustainable energy solutions for the humanitarian settings, looking at crowding-in private sector investments as one of the solutions.
- Act as an interlocutor between UNHCR management and external stakeholders.
- Provide technical assistance on assessing energy use and patterns within UNHCR operational activities, refugee camps and surrounding communities, develop sustainable energy solutions to reduce operational costs, introduce renewable energy to the energy generation mix and reduce its carbon footprint.
- Work on energy and environmental issues that improve peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities and safeguard the environment.
PARTNERSHIPS LIAISON OFFICER (RETAINER)
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR PROJECT SERVICES (UNOPS), EAST AFRICA HUB
Tanzania
2019.02 - 2020.02
- Responsible for developing and implementing the partnership and programme development plan for the initiation or broadening of UNOPS operations in Tanzania.
- Specific tasks include - Contribute to the analysis, mapping and identification of potential opportunities with partners; identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs and draft concept notes and project document briefs for discussion with partners; Build a network of key partners, keeping abreast of evolving trends (social, economic, and political), including the application of innovation to project and partnership development; provide intelligence and analysis on the strategic partners to support meeting, projects, and negotiations; Contribute to the ongoing research, development and implementation of best practice and innovative approaches to maximise performance and sustain achievements in project and partnership development.
PARTNERSHIPS LIAISON OFFICER (RETAINER)
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR PROJECT SERVICES (UNOPS), EAST AFRICA HUB
Tanzania
2019.02 - 2020.02
- Responsible for developing and implementing the partnership and programme development plan for the initiation or broadening of UNOPS operations in Tanzania.
- Specific tasks include - Contribute to the analysis, mapping and identification of potential opportunities with partners; identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs and draft concept notes and project document briefs for discussion with partners; Build a network of key partners, keeping abreast of evolving trends (social, economic, and political), including the application of innovation to project and partnership development; provide intelligence and analysis on the strategic partners to support meeting, projects, and negotiations; Contribute to the ongoing research, development and implementation of best practice and innovative approaches to maximise performance and sustain achievements in project and partnership development.
GREEN MINI-GRID EXPERT
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (AfDB)
Abidjan
2016.07 - 2018.08
- Work on various interventions related to renewable energy development in Africa, including providing advisory services to AfDB member states African governments for improving the enabling environment (policy, regulation, capacity development) to crowd-in private sector investment in renewable energy (mini-grids, off-grids and grid-connected) and guiding private sector investors.
- Supporting the private sector with early stages for project development (feasibility studies, legal/financial advisory services, etc.).
- Work on programming and managing off-grid solutions, including mini-grids and other rural electrification options.
- Some specific examples include support for creation of enabling framework for crowding-in private sector investment for renewable energy (Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Niger, DRC, Angola and Sao Tome & Principle), support innovative financing solutions for rural electrification and productive uses projects (Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo, Tanzania, Ethiopia).
GREEN MINI-GRID EXPERT
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (AfDB)
Abidjan
2016.07 - 2018.08
- Work on various interventions related to renewable energy development in Africa, including providing advisory services to AfDB member states African governments for improving the enabling environment (policy, regulation, capacity development) to crowd-in private sector investment in renewable energy (mini-grids, off-grids and grid-connected) and guiding private sector investors.
- Supporting the private sector with early stages for project development (feasibility studies, legal/financial advisory services, etc.).
- Work on programming and managing off-grid solutions, including mini-grids and other rural electrification options.
- Some specific examples include support for creation of enabling framework for crowding-in private sector investment for renewable energy (Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Niger, DRC, Angola and Sao Tome & Principle), support innovative financing solutions for rural electrification and productive uses projects (Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo, Tanzania, Ethiopia).
NATIONAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR (ENERGY)
UNITED NATIONS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (UNIDO)
Dar Es Salaam
2010.05 - 2016.06
- In charge of energy and environment projects for UNIDO in Tanzania.
- Work on soliciting financing for energy projects - for which I managed to secure funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for two projects, namely, mini-grids based on small-scale Hydropower projects to augment rural electrification in Tanzania (USD 3.35m) and promotion of energy generation using agricultural wastes for industrial applications in Tanzania (USD 5.227m).
NATIONAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR (ENERGY)
UNITED NATIONS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (UNIDO)
Dar Es Salaam
2010.05 - 2016.06
- In charge of energy and environment projects for UNIDO in Tanzania.
- Work on soliciting financing for energy projects - for which I managed to secure funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for two projects, namely, mini-grids based on small-scale Hydropower projects to augment rural electrification in Tanzania (USD 3.35m) and promotion of energy generation using agricultural wastes for industrial applications in Tanzania (USD 5.227m).
REGIONAL CONSULTANT (ENERGY)
EUROPEAN UNION ENERGY INITIATIVE POLICY DIALOGUE FACILITY (EUEI PDF)
East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi)
2015.02 - 2015.06
- Undertake an advanced scoping study for the East Africa Region to identify the technical capacity gaps in developing small hydropower projects, including looking at policy aspects, management aspects, training needs and recommend appropriate measures.
- Provide expert recommendations on appropriate capacity-building aspects to promote the development of small-scale hydropower projects in the East African region.
REGIONAL CONSULTANT (ENERGY)
EUROPEAN UNION ENERGY INITIATIVE POLICY DIALOGUE FACILITY (EUEI PDF)
East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi)
2015.02 - 2015.06
- Undertake an advanced scoping study for the East Africa Region to identify the technical capacity gaps in developing small hydropower projects, including looking at policy aspects, management aspects, training needs and recommend appropriate measures.
- Provide expert recommendations on appropriate capacity-building aspects to promote the development of small-scale hydropower projects in the East African region.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Global Energy Policy
Euclid University (Pôle Universitaire Euclide)
The Gambia/France 2021.01 - 2024.01
MSc - Environmental & Energy Management, Specialization in Energy Management
University of Twente
The Netherlands 2007.01 - 2008.01
BSc (Hons) - Electrical Engineering
University of Dar Es Salaam
Tanzania 2000.01 - 2004.01
Skills
- Research on energy sector
- Renewable energy
- Energy efficiency
- Energy access
- Project development
- Financing
- Investments
- Enabling environment for sustainable energy project investments
- Policy
- Strategies
- Capacity building
- Technical Feasibility studies
- Engineering design
- Business planning
- Project implementation
- Stakeholders coordination
- Climate change-related interventions
- Adaptation
- Mitigation
Languages
English
Kiswahili
Custom Section
Mbeya, Tanzania
Personal Information
- Title: Energy Sector Specialist
- Date of birth: 1976/12/06
- Nationality: Tanzanian
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
CHIEF TECHNICAL DIRECTOR (RETAINER)
GEOWIND POWER TANZANIA LIMITED
2026.02 - 2026.03
CHIEF TECHNICAL DIRECTOR (RETAINER)
GEOWIND POWER TANZANIA LIMITED
2026.02 - 2026.03
ENERGY SECTOR ANALYST (RETAINER)
EXPERTISE FRANCE
2023.11 - 2025.12
ENERGY SECTOR ANALYST (RETAINER)
EXPERTISE FRANCE
2023.11 - 2025.12
REGIONAL ENERGY ADVISOR (East, South, and the Horn of Africa)
NORCAP/NORWEGIAN REFUGEE COUNCIL
2023.06 - 2026.03
REGIONAL ENERGY ADVISOR (East, South, and the Horn of Africa)
NORCAP/NORWEGIAN REFUGEE COUNCIL
2023.06 - 2026.03
URBAN ENERGY SPECIALIST (ENERGY ACCESS, RENEWABLE ENERGY & ENERGY EFFICIENCY)
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME (UN-HABITAT)
2021.04 - 2023.06
URBAN ENERGY SPECIALIST (ENERGY ACCESS, RENEWABLE ENERGY & ENERGY EFFICIENCY)
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME (UN-HABITAT)
2021.04 - 2023.06
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Global Energy Policy
Euclid University (Pôle Universitaire Euclide)
2021.01 - 2024.01
NATIONAL ENERGY EXPERT (RETAINER)
LTS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, SCOTLAND, UK
2019.11 - 2021.06
NATIONAL ENERGY EXPERT (RETAINER)
LTS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, SCOTLAND, UK
2019.11 - 2021.06
PARTNERSHIPS LIAISON OFFICER (RETAINER)
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR PROJECT SERVICES (UNOPS), EAST AFRICA HUB
2019.02 - 2020.02
PARTNERSHIPS LIAISON OFFICER (RETAINER)
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR PROJECT SERVICES (UNOPS), EAST AFRICA HUB
2019.02 - 2020.02
ENERGY SPECIALIST
UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)
2018.11 - 2020.12
ENERGY SPECIALIST
UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)
2018.11 - 2020.12
GREEN MINI-GRID EXPERT
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (AfDB)
2016.07 - 2018.08
GREEN MINI-GRID EXPERT
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (AfDB)
2016.07 - 2018.08
REGIONAL CONSULTANT (ENERGY)
EUROPEAN UNION ENERGY INITIATIVE POLICY DIALOGUE FACILITY (EUEI PDF)
2015.02 - 2015.06
REGIONAL CONSULTANT (ENERGY)
EUROPEAN UNION ENERGY INITIATIVE POLICY DIALOGUE FACILITY (EUEI PDF)
2015.02 - 2015.06
CO-FOUNDER
NISHATI ASSOCIATES LIMITED
2012.01 - 2026.03
CO-FOUNDER
NISHATI ASSOCIATES LIMITED
2012.01 - 2026.03
NATIONAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR (ENERGY)
UNITED NATIONS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (UNIDO)
2010.05 - 2016.06
NATIONAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR (ENERGY)
UNITED NATIONS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (UNIDO)
2010.05 - 2016.06
MSc - Environmental & Energy Management, Specialization in Energy Management
University of Twente
2007.01 - 2008.01
BSc (Hons) - Electrical Engineering
University of Dar Es Salaam
2000.01 - 2004.01