About:

Chandirekera Sarah Mutubuki-Makuyana commonly known as Chandi is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in international development particularly focusing on the renewable energy, climate change, climate finance and gender in multi-country projects. Holding a Master of Science in Accounting and Finance from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from the University of Botswana, Chandi boast over 20 years of experience in her field.

Currently serving as the Country Coordinator for the Private Finance Advisory network PFAN Chandi has honed her expertise through various roles including project management sector leadership in renewable energy, advisory positions, business development advisory roles, energy projects coordination and the investment analysis. Her professional journey includes contributions to renowned international organizations such as SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and Practical Action. Additionally, she is undertaken consultancy assignments for UNDP, Hivos, the World Bank TNO and Danish Energy Management.

Chandi’s specialization in renewable energy encompasses mini-grades (hydro and solar), biogas, mini-grids technologies, off-grid solar, productive use of energy, clean cooking and rural electrification. She is also well-versed in climate mitigation and emission reduction strategies, particularly in areas such as aggregated small energy producers and users, animal effluent management, alternative waste treatment and management, source-separated organic waste in circular economy, household waste, avoided deforestation and sustainable building materials.

As a gender and energy expert Chandi provides advisory services and mentors through her involvement with the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET). She has collaborated with stakeholders, policymakers, and donors across numerous countries including Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Peru, Niger and Cote D’Ivoire.

Fluent in English and Shona, with intermediate proficiency in French and basic knowledge of Portuguese, Setswana, Ndebele and Chichewa, Chandi is a multilingual professional. Beyond her professional commitments she actively engages in various publications, contributes to the capacity development of stakeholders through training tools and holds positions in several professional membership borders, including the UNFCC Roster of Expects, GWNET, Bioenergy and Biogas Standards Technical Committee, Energia International, Gender and Energy Network of Zimbabwe (GENEZ) Netherlands Alumni Association in Zimbabwe (NAAZ) and Chevening Scholarship Alumni Association of Zimbabwe.

Outside of a professional endeavours Chandi finds joy in travel, having explored 27 countries playing tennis, and cultivating African Violets, orchids, and fruit trees. She is also a member of Zimbabwe Orchid Society and serves as the chairperson of the SDC committee for St John’s High School, Emerald Hill.