The African Power & Energy Elites, affectionately known as The Elites, are a distinguished group of individuals making significant contributions to shaping the energy sector across Africa. These leaders are not just executives or professionals; they are visionaries, change-makers, and pioneers in their respective fields.
Meet Anthony Nyong: A Climate Change Champion
Anthony Nyong is a prominent figure in the fight against climate change. With his role as Director of the Climate Change and Green Growth Department at the African Development Bank (AfDB), Nyong has spearheaded various initiatives to promote sustainability and environmental conservation. His years of experience and expertise have earned him international recognition, including being a Co-Recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to addressing climate change.
Nyong’s dedication to driving transformative climate adaptation actions led to the launch of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) in collaboration with the Global Center on Adaptation. This ambitious program aims to mobilize $25 billion by 2025 for climate adaptation projects across Africa, showcasing Nyong’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future for the continent.
Mark-Anthony Johnson: A Visionary Entrepreneur
Mark-Anthony Johnson, CEO of JIC Holdings, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for developing high-performance assets and investments in underdeveloped regions. His diverse portfolio spans industries such as mining, infrastructure, power, agriculture, and more. Johnson envisions Africa becoming the breadbasket of the world and is actively working towards realizing this goal by investing in agricultural development projects across the continent.
Beyond his business endeavors, Johnson is deeply involved in philanthropic activities through his foundation, which provides essential support in areas such as education, clean water access, and healthcare. His unwavering commitment to improving lives reflects his belief in using business as a force for positive change.
Prosper Melomey: Driving Private Equity Excellence
Prosper Melomey brings over 18 years of experience in investment banking to his role as Managing Partner at Bridgewater Advisors Limited (Africa). Specializing in corporate finance advisory services and project finance, Melomey has been instrumental in facilitating multi-billion-dollar transactions across various sectors. His work on projects involving Public Private Partnerships and financial restructuring demonstrates his strategic acumen and financial expertise.
Based in Ghana but operating globally, Melomey’s impact extends beyond borders as he continues to play a pivotal role in shaping investment strategies that drive economic growth and development across different markets.
René Awambeng: A Banking Luminary with Social Impact
René Awambeng is a distinguished figure in corporate banking with extensive experience spanning global markets. As Founder and Managing Partner of Premier Invest, Awambeng has managed transactions worth over $300 billion within sectors such as energy, commodities, infrastructure, and financial advisory services. His tenure at the African Export-Import Bank showcased his proficiency in trade finance and client relations on an international scale.
In addition to his professional achievements, Awambeng is deeply committed to social impact through initiatives like The Awambeng Renal Care Foundation which supports kidney disease patients. He also plays a key role in promoting intra-African trade through The Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club—an organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and infrastructure development within Africa.
These remarkable individuals represent just a fraction of The Elites who are leaving an indelible mark on Africa’s energy landscape. Through their leadership, innovation,
and dedication they are shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
