University of Glasgow Dean of Global Engagement (Africa & Middle East) Prof Paul Garside has won a prestigious Scottish Funding Council, Global Challenges Research Fund award to install a groundbreaking solar energy system to the Blantyre Blantyre Research facility, which is housed within the College of Medicine (COM) University of Malawi. The facility, funded by the Scottish Government International Development dept is a state-of-the-art laboratory that boasts cutting edge microscopy, diagnostic, and cryo-freezing storage facilities.This exciting initiative is particularly special as Prof Garside and Dr Mwapatsa Mipando, immediate past principal of COM has teamed up with Eunice Ntobedzi who is a Chevenning Scholarship beneficiary and a University ofGlasgowMSc graduate and the University of Glasgow 2019 winner of the World Changing Alumni award. Euniceis the CEO of Africa Sun Energy Ltdwho are based in Botswana and aim to bring inexpensive solar power to more than 660 million Africans who are currently without access to electricity. In addition to installing the new solar power system to the Malawi lab, ASE will roll out solar power installation training and education in Malawi. The project will act as an exemplar for further clean energy solutions for COM and for the wider Malawian community.
Blantyre Blantyre Research Facility Lab
Prof Paul Garside,University of Glasgow Dean of Global Engagement (Africa & Middle East) said: This is absolutely fantastic to see one of our world changing alumni from Botswana helping to deliver clean energy and expertise to an important new clinical research facility developed with our partners at College of Medicine in Malawi. A real example of south-south collaboration.
Eunice Ntobedzi,Director of Africa Sun Energysaid: Christmas has come early – This funding has come at a crucial time for the health sector in Southern Africa where, unfortunately still, many health facilities do not have access to reliable and affordable clean energy to enable them to maintain basic services. This is even more significant as the possible vaccine required for the treatment of COVID-19 will require a level of temperature control to maintain their efficacy. This project at the College of Medicine will be a demonstration of a new clean energy service which addresses the needs of health facilities, not only in Malawi but in the entire region as well. Furthermore, we are planning to have the project completed by the end of February 2021 and have started to ensure that we do everything necessary to ensure the success of this project.
Dr Mwapatsa Mipando, Immediate past principal of College of Medicine said:I am so excited to see that our Blantyre Blantyre Research Facility will utilize clean energy and thereby be an exemplar in our country and the region. This project is a giant step in our quest to become an environmentally friendly campus. We lookforward to workingwith our colleagues from Scotland and Botswana.
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About African Sun Energy Botswana (Pty) Ltd:
African Sun Energy Botswana is an innovative clean energy company developing new technologies and clean energy services to support the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The company was established by Ms. Eunice Ntobedzi, an alumnus of the University of Glasgow (Adam Smith Business School). It currently supports design, build, finance and operate of both on grid / off-grid and grid-tied solutions and that require clean energy.
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For Further Enquiries:
Ms. Theo Ofetotse (Public Relations and Marketing Officer)
African Sun Energy Botswana
Email: ofetotse@africansunenergy.com
Mobile: +267 73 989 104
Eunice Ntobedzi Prof Paul Garside &Dr MwapatsaMipando
Blantyre Blantyre Research Facility Lab