EMPOWER: Vol 6, Issue 1 – March 2025

Over the past 15 years, IEEE Smart Village has made significant strides in empowering communities through a unique three-pillared approach to development. We have supported more than 54 enterprises, provided funding exceeding $6.5 million, and positively impacted over 2 million lives. Our initiatives are guided by the core principles of electrification, education, and the productive use of technology, ensuring that our efforts are both scalable and self-sustaining.

Looking back on our accomplishments, we recognize a substantial increase in our capacity to support enterprises. From 2010 to 2019, we averaged four enterprise contracts each year, witnessing the emergence of three potential unicorns during this time—setting a strong precedent for future success. We hosted one annual regional conference in Africa, which has evolved into a vital volunteer and applicant development platform, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across our network.

Our ambitions have expanded significantly from 2020 to 2024, achieving an average of 12 enterprise contracts annually. In addition to nurturing our existing talent pool, we have identified one enterprise as a potential unicorn and five others that show great promise. This commitment to growth is not merely about numbers; it reflects our broader objective of enriching communities through successful, thriving enterprises.

We are excited to announce that we hosted three regional conferences and symposia in 2024 in China, Africa, and South Asia. These gatherings serve as platforms for knowledge exchange and networking and will also act as catalysts for inspiration and innovation. We encourage all community members to participate, share ideas, and collaborate on projects that can bring about transformative change in local landscapes.

We recognize the need to streamline operational efficiency to support further growth, which aligns with potential growth in IEEE public imperatives. We have implemented several strategic measures to improve our capacity, establishing six focused Task Forces, each addressing specific operational areas to drive effectiveness. We are also devolving frontline responsibilities to five Regional Committees, facilitating localized decision-making and responsiveness to applicants for funding.

Effective governance is fundamental to the sustainability of our initiatives. John Verboncoeur, past President of IEEE NPSS and vice President of IEEE TAB, is developing a plan with buy-in from the leadership of key IEEE Societies and Councils (S/Cs) that support us. Our goal is to ensure alignment with IEEE requirements and enhance support for ISV across IEEE.

To strengthen our leadership, we have added Monica LaBiche Brown, who is a familiar name as a seasoned developed professional, to our Executive Committee. Her addition will enable us to engage stakeholders more effectively, ensuring our initiatives are well-promoted and aligned with community aspirations. In January 2025, we welcomed Parvathy Sundar as an Administrative Assistant to support Mike Wilson, who has been tirelessly meeting the growing demands of our programs.

As we look to the future, we are optimistic about the journey of IEEE Smart Village. Each of us plays a vital role in this mission. Your involvement—as supportive societies, donors, mentors, volunteers, or advocates—continues to be instrumental in helping us achieve our goal of creating impactful, sustainable livelihoods.

In conclusion, as we embrace this New Year, let us harness the hope and potential that lie before us. Together, we can transform lives and build a brighter, more equitable future for underserved communities worldwide.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and support. Here’s to a year filled with growth, collaboration, and profound impact!

Warm regards,
Dr. Rajan Kapur
President
IEEE Smart Village

Harnessing clean energy for sustainable growth: Ibaragun Community Mini Grid initiative, Nigeria.

In an era of rapid technological advancements and a pressing need for sustainable development, access to reliable energy sources is indispensable for transforming communities. The 1MW Ibaragun mini-grid in Nigeria, stands as a beacon of hope, exemplifying how clean energy initiatives can empower growth and enhance the quality of life, particularly in Nigeria’s rural areas. This mini-grid provides cost-effective and reliable electricity, significantly contributing to regional economic development and benefiting over 50,000 individuals, including local businesses, public institutions, and households that now enjoy consistent power supply. Reliable energy enables businesses to operate more efficiently and extend productive hours and fosters an atmosphere conducive to growth and innovation.

For rural communities, electricity access transcends mere convenience; it acts as a catalyst for development, enhancing opportunities across sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture. Schools can utilize modern teaching aids, while health clinics can store vaccines and operate essential medical equipment seamlessly. Farms leverage technology to improve productivity, ensuring food security and profitability.

Delegation touring the project in February.

Darway Coast, a key player in this transformative project, is dedicated to providing sustainable energy solutions that enhance productivity across rural and urban environments. Supported by IEEE Smart Village, the organization aims to bridge the energy gap in some of Nigeria’s most underserved regions by implementing innovative and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

The Ibaragun mini-grid exemplifies Darway Coast’s expertise and commitment to improving energy access. CEO Henry Ureh said, “The completed Ibaragun mini-grid project will deliver immediate and lasting benefits to the community through reliable, clean energy.” This focus on sustainability generates a ripple effect throughout various facets of community life, fostering an environment where people can thrive.

Ibaragun Community View.

Success in the Ibaragun project extends beyond mere installation; it underscores the importance of training and capacity building among local inhabitants. By involving community members in the implementation process, they acquire the necessary skills to manage and maintain the mini-grid, thus instilling a sense of ownership and pride within the community. This engagement also creates job opportunities in installing and maintaining clean energy systems, directly boosting local economies. As individuals become trained technicians and managers of renewable energy sources, they gain valuable skills while contributing to the growth of their communities.

Access to energy profoundly impacts local businesses by allowing entrepreneurs to expand operations, improve services, and reach a larger market. Clean energy significantly reduces operational costs, enabling businesses to invest more in growth strategies. As a result, the Ibaragun mini-grid has improved productivity, allowing local enterprises to operate more efficiently and rely less on traditional and often unreliable, expensive energy sources. Furthermore, with reliable electricity, businesses can innovate their products and services, utilizing technology to connect with new customers and elevate the overall customer experience. The vibrant local economy that emerges is characterized by increased competition and improved living standards.

Clean energy offers significant environmental advantages. As communities transition to renewable energy sources, they lower their carbon footprint, contributing to global efforts against climate change. The Ibaragun mini-grid not only meets the community’s energy needs but also respects and protects the environment.

Ultimately, the Ibaragun mini-grid serves as a compelling case study, illustrating the potential of clean energy solutions to enhance productivity and improve rural communities’ overall quality of life. With organizations like Darway Coast leading the path to sustainable development, the future looks promising for energy access in Nigeria’s underserved regions. The successful implementation of clean energy projects such as Ibaragun is a critical step toward achieving a sustainable, economically vibrant, and socially equitable future for all.

 Building Sustainable Futures: Key Takeaways from the ISV India Conference 2024

The IEEE Smart Village (ISV) India Conference 2024, held on November 7th and 8th at DA-IICT in Gandhinagar, united a diverse group of stakeholders dedicated to cultivating smart villages across rural India. Organized by the ISV South Asia Working Group, this conference served as a dynamic platform for experts, practitioners, researchers, and students to discuss innovative strategies for fostering sustainable rural development.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. S Chetwani, Chair of the ISV South Asia Working Group, who emphasized the themes of social entrepreneurship and community participation. Keynotes from notable figures, including Dr. Rajan Kapur, current President of IEEE Smart Village, Prof. Anil Gupta, the Founder of the Honeybee Network, and Ambassador Pradeep Kapur, highlighted the critical role of community-driven initiatives in achieving sustainable rural transitions.

Participants during the workshop.

Prominent speakers, including Prof. Tathagata Bandyopadhyay, Director of DA-IICT, discussed the significant challenges and opportunities in modern rural development.

A key focus of the conference was exploring social entrepreneurship models tailored to rural India. Speakers like Dr. Sreeja K G, Research Director at Equinox, and Dr. C. Jayaraman, Managing Director at Equinoct, offered practical strategies for rural communities. Monica LaBiche Brown, Founder of Africa Development Promise, alongside Dr. C G Madhusoodhanan, evaluated challenges faced by social enterprises in these settings.

The need for inclusive frameworks that integrate community participation, NGOs, and local agencies into rural development was a common thread. Leaders such as Col. Vijay Bhasker and Jayanti Shukla shared successful case studies illustrating the importance of engaging local populations in co-developing solutions.

Some of the key themes that emerged during the conference include; Community Empowerment: Engagement at all development stages is vital for context-specific solutions. Sustainable Livelihoods: Emphasis on fostering economic opportunities through innovative social entrepreneurship and skill development. Climate Resilience: Integrating climate resilience into all aspects of rural development is critical. Technology Adoption: Leveraging technology to improve access to education and healthcare in rural areas. Student Engagement: Emphasizing the role of students in driving innovation and development of future leaders. Collaboration: Highlighting the importance of partnerships among NGOs, governments, universities, and the private sector to tackle rural challenges.

The ISV India Conference 2024 proved to be an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and partnership building among stakeholders committed to the vision of sustainable smart villages. The discussions reinforced the importance of a holistic approach incorporating social, economic, and environmental dimensions, advocating for community empowerment and collaboration. The insights and actionable recommendations generated during the conference are set to guide future initiatives and bolster the commitment to transforming rural landscapes across India.

Looking ahead, the successful collaborations from this symposium signal a promising future, where sustainable practices and technological advancements come together to uplift rural communities and create significant, lasting change.

ISV Safety, Quality, Reliability, and Standards: Feedback from October 2024 Meeting

The ISV Safety, Quality, Reliability, and Standards Committee (SQRS) is one of several support groups dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs during project development and execution. Volunteers also play an important role in assessing and mentoring these projects. The committee focuses on the four areas reflected in its name. In October 2024, the committee held an in-person meeting in Johannesburg, bringing together volunteers and several entrepreneurs to discuss how to better serve the community.

The entrepreneurs present demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of safety, quality, reliability, and standards. However, they expressed that more resources would be beneficial. The key question raised was how to implement realistic yet effective solutions. In more developed economies, there are established standards, practices, and requirements that have been refined over time to promote effectiveness without becoming overly burdensome. However, these measures cannot be directly applied in all situations. For example, many entrepreneurs hire contractors during construction who may operate under their own regulations. Thus, there is a need to develop simple messages and instructions that entrepreneurs can use for themselves and share with their employees and contractors.

It became evident that improvements are necessary for the ISV project process. Currently, a series of questions are embedded within the project application and review procedures. Some attendees at the meeting felt that these inquiries would lead to inspections and local certification. In reality, the purpose of these questions is primarily to raise awareness of potential issues, based on the belief that “awareness of a problem is the first step toward solving it.” They are intended to encourage developers to consider critical aspects of their projects as they progress, just as they would need to identify their customer base and procure appropriate equipment. In other words, readiness is essential. Therefore, it is vital for the committee to enhance its questions and the review process to better support ISV business leaders.

Regarding quality, being a vast topic, one specific suggestion was to compile equipment lists from ISV developers to share with new applicants. For safety, a recommendation was made to conduct daily meetings—or at an appropriate frequency—with team members, including entrepreneurs, to discuss periodic expectations. These meetings should clarify general instructions and address safety considerations related to the upcoming work. This approach is standard practice, especially in construction, as it effectively sets project expectations while promoting safety awareness. Furthermore, for standards, it is important to collaborate with the Regional Working Committees, as standards vary by location.

Empowering Africa’s Energy Future: Insights and Innovations of the Power Africa Conference

The Power Africa Conference (PAC) is a vital event fostering energy and technology development across the African continent. Its primary objective is to address energy-related challenges by bringing together professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to encourage collaboration, innovation, and capacity building. As we anticipate this year’s conference in Egypt, it is important to reflect on the significance, past accomplishments, and the future that this conference promises.

Participating at the PAC offers a valuable opportunity to engage in critical discussions about Africa’s energy future. Attendees will experience a mix of technical presentations, workshops, and discussions focused on cutting-edge research, emerging technologies, and innovative solutions designed to tackle the continent’s unique energy challenges.

PAC 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda.

This conference is an excellent platform for networking with peers and industry leaders and facilitating collaborations, partnerships, and projects that might not otherwise occur. Whether you’re an academic, professional, or aspiring student in the energy sector, the conference provides invaluable insights and resources for personal and professional development.

Over the years, PAC has significantly impacted energy development across various sectors. Attracting experts from academia, industry, and government, promotes knowledge exchange that translates into actionable solutions for enhancing energy access, sustainability, and reliability throughout Africa. While showcasing technological advancements, the conference also emphasizes the importance of policy frameworks and community engagement, crucial for driving energy initiatives.

PAC 2019, Lagos, Nigeria.

Covering a broad spectrum of topics, from renewable energy to smart grids, and from distributed generation to energy efficiency, the conference resonates with both local and international audiences and ultimately promotes sustainable development and economic growth. Since its inception, it has traveled to multiple locations, such as Nairobi, Kenya; Livingstone, Zambia; Lagos, Nigeria; Kigali, Rwanda; Marrakech, Morocco; and Johannesburg, South Africa, each time leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and knowledge-sharing.

As we approach the 2025 Power Africa Conference in Egypt, expectations are high. This year’s event will highlight Egypt’s recent advancements in energy systems and its strategic role in connecting the African energy landscape with global innovations. Attendees can anticipate learning about Egypt’s ambitious initiatives in renewable energy, smart cities, and energy efficiency.

The Egyptian venue aims to showcase local achievements and foster essential discussions about the continent’s energy sustainability. With a program featuring keynote speakers, interactive panels, and technical sessions, this year’s conference will advance the collective understanding of critical energy issues and share best practices.

Ultimately, the conference acts as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in the energy sector. As we prepare for this significant gathering, we eagerly anticipate the knowledge, connections, and advancements that will emerge, paving the way for a sustainable future across Africa. By attending, participants will play a key role in shaping the continent’s energy narrative, ensuring its vitality for generations to come.