Meet the dynamic team behind the African & Caribbean Energy Network (ACEN). Our passionate professionals bring together diverse expertise and deep commitment to sustainable energy solutions. United by a vision to transform Africa and the Caribbean’s energy landscape, our team builds bridges between communities, policies, and partnerships.

We champion innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration, working tirelessly to advance clean, affordable, and equitable energy access for all. With decades of experience across energy policy, technology, stakeholder engagement, and development, we empower progress by fostering knowledge sharing, best practices, and collective action.

Together, we drive forward our mission: to connect, empower, and support energy stakeholders creating lasting impact for people, planet, peace, prosperity, and partnership.

Executive Team

Franco Bonghan⁩

Co-Chair - Co-Founder

franco@acenergynetwork.org

Lady B Bless

Co-Chair - Co-Founder

ladybbless@acenergynetwork.org

Patrick Schiele⁩

Executive Director

patrick@acenergynetwork.org

Kim Walters

Executive Assistant

kim@acenergynetork.org

Regional Chairpersons

Lilian Okoli

Regional Chairperson - West Africa

lilian@acenergynetwork.org

Lonzel Jones⁩

Regional Chairperson - The Caribbean

lonzel@acenergynetwork.org

Jane Wagler⁩

Regional Chairperson - North & Southern Africa

jane@acenergynetwork.org

Country Coordinators

Ismail Abubakar

Country Coordinator (Nigeria)

ismail@acenergynetwork.org

Melissa Darville

Country Coordinator (The Bahamas)

melissa@acenergynetwork.org