Utility of the future

Building innovative energy solutions for a brighter and more prosperous Africa

About Next Century Power

Our Vision

At Next Century Power, we believe the future grid will be a network of smaller, dispersed, hyper-efficient energy generation and distribution nodes. We believe Africa will lead this revolution.

Our Roots

Next Century Power is an innovation by Siyapakanaka Consulting - a development and technology consultancy delivering high-impact community-centered solutions. It speaks to an African cultural ethos passed down from generation to generation, which is to live sustainably and to aspire to create a better tomorrow.

Next Century Power is driven by a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. The company is not just about building power grids; it's about igniting a sustainable energy revolution that will power the progress and prosperity of the African continent.

Next Century problems need Next Century solutions. With a vision set firmly on tomorrow, Next Century Power (NCP) is inspired to stay a century ahead in understanding and serving the energy needs of a dynamic African population. NCP develops utility scale, renewable energy powered, grid-tied mini-grids in Africa. The firm specializes in energy solutions for underserved grid-edge communities and new housing developments in Zimbabwe.

Next Century Projects

A sneak peak into some of the ground-breaking innovations led by Next Century Power.

Harare, Zimbabwe

6.3 MW Solar PV, 10.9 MW Lithium BESS, grid-connected mini-grid

Feasibility assessment: completed

Identified potential sites for grid-connected mini-grid systems.
Performed on-ground Energy Demand, and Willingness- and Ability-to-Pay Assessments.
Performed Social and Environmental Impact Assessments.
Identified generation site and elected community for pilot project.
Conducted a workshop with project stakeholders (community leaders, government authorities, regulators, ZETDC, investors, EPC companies).
Obtained support and feedback from community leaders, local government and energy authorities to proceed.

Project Development: ongoing

Negotiating land lease agreement.
Performing Grid Impact Assessment with ZETDC.
Obtaining Generation and Distribution license from ZERA.
Securing funding for project development and execution.

Team

We bring over 30 years of excellence in the Energy sector.

Kumbirai Makanza

Founder and CFO

Kumbirai is a multiple award winning cleantech entrepreneur. An Afrofuturist and Just Energy Transition innovator guided by a passion for Africa, its sustainable development and its potential to leapfrog. He is a seasoned energy access finance expert with nearly a decade of experience across Sub-Saharan Africa. He holds a BCom from the University of Cape Town and an MBA in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency from Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT). Kumbirai is a published author, SME mentor, and speaker whose upcoming TED Talk is on “Turning remittances into sustainable investment.”

André Corsetti

Operations Manager

André brings over 10 years of diverse professional experiences, and led the Harare Mini-grid Project feasibility study, alongside Kumbirai. Previously, he led an 80+ people industrial operation, managed Engineering and Innovation projects in South America and Europe, and supported the growth of an energy management software start-up based in Berlin. He holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering at UFRGS, in Brazil, and a MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems hosted by EIT InnoEnergy, Europe's largest Energy Transition innovation ecosystem.

Dr Remember Samu

Co-Founder and CTO

Dr. Samu is a highly skilled Power Systems Engineer with over a decade of experience in power systems analysis, design and optimization, spanning both distribution and transmission networks. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Eastern Mediterranean University, MSc in Sustainable Environment and Energy Systems from Middle East Technical University, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Murdoch University. His contributions are extensive, with highlights in hybrid microgrid control, PV output forecasting, and VPPs.