We are pleased to invite practitioners, researchers and energy sector stakeholders to the launch of a new report exploring how social performance is currently practiced across renewable energy projects in Africa.
The Continental Practitioner Study on Advancing Social Performance in Renewable Energy Projects, authored by Lesedi Komi, brings together perspectives from fifteen social performance practitioners working across the continent. The report examines how social performance is understood, implemented and constrained in renewable energy contexts, while also identifying opportunities to strengthen practice, policy and collaboration.
As renewable energy development accelerates across Africa, ensuring that projects are socially responsible, inclusive and responsive to community needs is becoming increasingly important. This study contributes to that conversation by capturing the experiences and reflections of practitioners working directly within these complex project environments.
To mark the launch of the report, INSPIRE will host an online webinar bringing together experts and practitioners to discuss the findings and reflect on what they mean for the future of social performance in Africa’s energy transition.
Date: 19 March 2026
Time: 15:00 – 16:30 SAST
Format: Online webinar (Zoom)
Meet the Speakers
Lesedi Komi – Social Performance Practitioner and Social Impact Specialist
Lesedi Komi is the author of the Continental Practitioner Study and a social performance practitioner with experience across community development, renewable energy and climate change initiatives. Her work focuses on ensuring that development projects are inclusive, socially responsible and designed for long-term sustainability. Lesedi brings a people-centred approach to development, strengthening both community outcomes and project impact.
Tony Tiyou – CEO, Renewables in Africa
Tony Tiyou is the Founder and CEO of Renewables in Africa (RiA), a clean energy engineering and media platform supporting Africa’s transition to a low-carbon future. He advises governments, investors and developers on renewable energy deployment and market strategy. Tony is also a recognised industry commentator, frequently appearing on BBC, France24 and Forbes Afrique. He is the author of The Wind Industry Outlook in Africa and has been recognised among the Top 50 Influential African and Afro-Caribbean Leaders in the UK.
Kathleen Mbeyu Kikuvi – Social Safeguarding Specialist
Kathleen Mbeyu Kikuvi is a social safeguarding professional committed to development approaches that protect vulnerable communities and uphold human dignity. Her work focuses on building inclusive systems that empower people while ensuring development initiatives support equitable and sustainable growth.
Tawanda Collins Muzamwese – Chief Sustainability Consultant, Toxicon African Sustainability Consultants
Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is an international consultant specialising in sustainability, environmental and social safeguards. His work includes supporting sustainability training programmes, capacity building initiatives and audits of sustainability projects across industries. With experience in environmental management systems, cleaner production and environmental impact assessments, Tawanda works with organisations seeking to strengthen sustainability practices and responsible project implementation.
Libby Hirshon – Sustainability Advisor, AIIM African Transition Accelerator Fund
Libby Hirshon is an experienced sustainability leader, with over 25 years of experience including serving as Head of ESG and Sustainability at Engie South Africa and ESG Director at BTE Renewables. With her career primarily focused on social performance, her work has spanned consulting, development finance and implementation of sustainability considerations in the renewable energy sector. She has a deeply collaborative approach, fuelled by the belief that multi-stakeholder solutions enable business, communities and nature to thrive together.
Join the Conversation
This webinar offers an opportunity to engage directly with practitioners working across Africa’s renewable energy landscape. Participants will gain insights into the realities of implementing social performance in complex project environments and explore practical ways to strengthen collaboration across sectors.
We invite practitioners, developers, policymakers, researchers and civil society actors interested in social performance, renewable energy and sustainable development to join the discussion.
