Dave Lello, founder of Stellekaya Wines, has been appointed chief business development officer of Ener-G-Africa (EGA), a leading renewable-energy solutions provider.
The Stellenbosch local joined the company in January and will spearhead the development of EGA’s market presence for their products and solutions in South and East African countries. With decades of experience in channel development across various technologies, including a focus on energy access, Lello brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.
As an integral part of the team that brought Microsoft to Africa, Lello has gone on to build successful distribution channels, showcasing his ability to drive growth and innovation. He has been working with EGA for the last two years on a joint biomass gasifier stove project.
When asked about his vision for EGA, Lello expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s commitment to expanding access to clean energy and advanced cooking solutions across the continent.
“I feel honoured to join a team that is passionate about innovation and improving the lives of the less fortunate. Energy is a huge challenge in the African continent, and EGA has done phenomenal work in tackling the challenges of climate change and improving the lives of people in Africa. I am looking forward to seeing the many projects we have planned to work on, come to fruition,” he related.
One of Lello’s key insights into EGA’s strengths lies in its roots in Malawi, where, despite being one of the poorest countries in Africa, the company has already delivered impactful change. Leveraging this experience, the company is well-positioned to expand its operations and business model to other Southern African countries.
Identifying challenges and opportunities in the market, Lello emphasised the need for efficient distribution channels for clean energy products and highlights EGA’s commitment to customising products to meet the unique needs of African consumers, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
Commenting on the new appointment, EGA CEO André Moolman stated: “With Dave’s leadership and expertise we look forward to making significant strides towards a sustainable future for Africa and we look forward to the transformative impact his vision will bring to communities across the region.”
In addition to his professional achievements, Lello’s passion for supporting small businesses with visionary ideas aligns perfectly with EGA’s ethos of innovation and social impact. Stellekaya, his premium wine label which he successfully runs with his wife, has just celebrated its 25th anniversary, retailing more than half of its produce internationally.
