Our Team

The People Behind ACEN

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.

Leadership

Executive Team

Franco Bonghan

Franco Bonghan

Co-Chair, Co-Founder

franco@acenergynetwork.org
Lady B Bless

Lady B Bless

Co-Chair, Co-Founder

ladybbless@acenergynetwork.org
Patrick Schiele

Patrick Schiele

Executive Director

patrick@acenergynetwork.org
Kim Walters

Kim Walters

Executive Assistant

kim@acenergynetwork.org
Maureen Joseph

Maureen Joseph

Project Management Manager

maureen@acenergynetwork.org

Regions

Regional Chairpersons

Lilian Okoli

Lilian Okoli

Regional Chairperson, West Africa

lilian@acenergynetwork.org
Lonzel Jones

Lonzel Jones

Regional Chairperson, The Caribbean

lonzel@acenergynetwork.org
Jane Wagler

Jane Wagler

Regional Chairperson, North & Southern Africa

jane@acenergynetwork.org

Countries

Country Coordinators

Ismail Abubakar

Ismail Abubakar

Country Coordinator, Nigeria

ismail@acenergynetwork.org
Melissa Darville

Melissa Darville

Country Coordinator, The Bahamas

melissa@acenergynetwork.org
Leighton Waterman

Leighton Waterman

Country Coordinator, Barbados

leighton@acenergynetwork.org

Advisory Board

Meet the African & Caribbean Energy Network's Advisory Board

Our board is made up of visionary leaders and trailblazers from Africa and the Caribbean's energy sectors, spanning both the public and private spheres. Members include government ministers, International Oil Companies (IOCs), National Oil Companies (NOCs), and independent stakeholders across the entire energy value chain. Together, they play a vital role in advancing our mission to promote sustainable energy solutions, drive sector growth, and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7—ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. With their expertise and guidance, ACEN continues to shape transformative energy policies and opportunities across Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

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

Emmanuel Njumbe

Emmanuel Njumbe

Advisory Board Member

Telca Daniel Wallace

Telca Daniel Wallace

Advisory Board Member

Ernest Anoma

Ernest Anoma

Advisory Board Member

Work With Our Team

Interested in partnership, membership, or collaboration? Our team is ready to engage.

Contact ACEN