Author: Ronald Bethea Published: 3/25/2026 PCPC Online Digital Podcast-Radio-Youtube TV Network
- A delegation of energy leaders from Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Senegal will visit the U.S. to explore partnerships for modernizing West Africa’s power grids.
- The initiative, led by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), focuses on integrating U.S.-made AI solutions to enhance grid reliability and efficiency.
- Delegates will travel to several U.S. cities to meet with companies, observe technology demonstrations, and discuss regulatory, financial, and technical frameworks.
- A public business briefing in Washington will allow U.S. firms to showcase energy technologies and engage directly with the delegation about commercial opportunities.
Welcome to IDG
IDG is a rapidly growing international development organization, serving the U.S. Government (USG), including the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), as well as the World Bank, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and other international donors.
IDG’s Mission:
IDG’s mission is to catalyze resilient economic growth to alleviate poverty globally, through partnering with public and private stakeholders to deliver quality technical assistance and capacity strengthening.
Our areas of expertise include: public financial management; private-sector development and market systems; international trade policy and facilitation; monitoring, evaluation, and learning; cost-benefit analysis; financial sector; food security and agriculture; and institutional support contracts. IDG has worked for USG and other international donors for over 36 years, on more than 54 projects, in over 90 countries.
Quick recap
This episode of “Solar Now and the Future with its Economic Impact on Black America” featured host Ronald Bethea interviewing Eric Henderson, an experienced renewable energy financier and founder of XCBG, about recent energy developments and opportunities. Henderson shared insights from a U.S. Trade Development Agency event in Washington D.C. where delegations from Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Senegal discussed energy projects and AI solutions for grid efficiency. The discussion covered various renewable energy initiatives including mobile carbon capture technology, mobile power grids, and energy optimization systems, along with challenges facing Black farmers and historically Black colleges and universities in the renewable energy sector. Henderson provided advice for young people interested in energy finance, emphasizing the importance of relentless pursuit of information and contacts in the industry.
Summary
Solar Energy and African Markets
Ronald Bethea hosted a show about solar energy’s economic impact on Black America, focusing on the Positive Change Purchasing Corporation’s mission to increase market share for African American-owned renewable energy companies. He introduced a planned discussion with Eric Henderson, representing EXID G, about a recent event in Washington D.C. where a delegation from Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Senegal met to seek U.S. assistance with energy solutions, including AI and grid efficiency. The show was in progress with Ronald waiting for Eric Henderson to join the conversation.
U.S.-Africa Business Opportunities Discussion
Ronald and Eric discussed Eric’s extensive background in international relations and his work promoting business opportunities between the U.S. and Africa. Eric shared details about his family background, including his grandparents’ achievements and his mother’s friendship with Ruby Dee. Ronald mentioned a Nigerian entrepreneur, Michael Fabu, who has developed a mobile carbon capture technology and is seeking $5 million in funding. The conversation ended with Ronald inviting Eric to share insights from a recent U.S. Trade Development Agency seminar he attended.
Energy Opportunities and Policy Discussion
Eric discussed a recent USTDA event focused on energy opportunities in Africa, describing it as excellent with sophisticated presentations on topics including solar, green hydrogen, and renewables. Ronald shared his research on the Inflation Reduction Act, noting that $133 billion was invested with most going to red states, and mentioned his work connecting HBCUs with renewable energy initiatives, including Howard University’s new School of Sustainability. Ronald also discussed his efforts to create synergy between African American companies in the solar industry, including connecting with Michael Henry who was affected by changes to investment tax credits.
Energy Initiatives for Farmers
Ronald discussed several energy initiatives aimed at helping Black farmers and addressing energy needs. He highlighted Michael Henry’s partnership with Dwayne on a machine that converts agricultural waste into energy, and Dr. Nima’s mobile power grid technology that eliminates the need for power lines. Ronald also mentioned Michael Flavu’s mobile carbon capture technology and emphasized the urgent need for new infrastructure to support the growing number of data centers, which consume significant energy. Ronald committed to sharing more information about these initiatives with Eric for review and potential next steps.
Energy Solutions and Finance Discussion
Ronald and Eric discussed energy issues affecting ratepayers and potential solutions, including energy optimizers that can reduce energy consumption by 30-40% for around $2,500. Eric recommended young people interested in energy finance to research press releases from EXIM, DFC, IFC, and trade.gov websites to understand potential opportunities. Ronald highlighted the impact of recent NCAA settlements on NIL (name, image, and likeness) rights and suggested that universities should reinvest utility cost savings into NIL and physical plant upgrades. The discussion concluded with Ronald sharing information about his platform’s mission to support renewable energy companies and educate the African American community about climate change impacts.
Next steps
- Ronald: Send information (including videos) on Dr. Nema’s mobile power grid and M24 battery projects, Michael Flavu’s mobile carbon capture, Michael Henry’s paralysis machine, and Rex’s Energy Optimizer to Eric Henderson.
- Ronald: Set up calls/meetings between Eric Henderson and Malcolm Fabiyi with OptimaBiome (mobile carbon capture), Dr. Nema (Mobile Power Grid Technology, 24-M EV Battery), and Michael Henry (Pryolsis Technology which can convert agriculture waste product in Bio -fuels.
- Ronald: Provide Eric Henderson with a timeline for reviewing the information and scheduling the above meetings.
- Eric Henderson: Review the information and videos sent by Ronald and provide feedback/timeline for meetings with the respective innovators/companies.