VC Pathways for Global South Climate Innovation

James Irungu Mwangi is the founder and CEO of Africa Climate Ventures, where he is working to build and accelerate transformative climate-smart and carbonnegative businesses across the continent. James is also the founder of the Climate Action Platform – Africa (CAP-A), a public benefit organization launched in 2021, to unlock Africa’s potential for inclusive prosperity through Climate Positive Growth. Previously, James cofounded the Dalberg Group, and over a 20-year period, led the Dalberg’s expansion into Africa, served as Global Managing Partner of Dalberg Advisors, and as Executive Director of the Dalberg Group. James serves as an independent director on several boards including the Skoll Foundation, the Global Centre for Pluralism, One Acre Fund, Old Mutual Limited and Koko Networks. James holds an AB in Economics from Harvard University and is a 2021 Yale University World Fellow. He is a 2009 Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellow, a 2013 Young Global Leader. For his efforts to put Climate Positive Growth on the global agenda, James received a 2022 Climate Breakthrough Award and was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 by the New African magazine.

Oliver B. Libby is co-founding Managing Partner of Hatzimemos / Libby Holdings (H/L Ventures) and of CityRock Venture Partners. Based in New York City and founded in 2009, the H/L Ventures family of companies represents a new kind of venture firm. H/L Ventures is dedicated to building high-growth businesses that add value to society by protecting and promoting people and the planet, with a strong preference for diverse founding teams. H/L Ventures’ proprietary Daily Active Engagement model blends the best of venture studio and investment firm on one platform to help grow companies from early stage to exit in a holistic approach to company building. 

Mr. Libby is also the Co-founder and Board Chair of The Resolution Project, a New York–based nonprofit that supports undergraduate students launching social ventures. Since 2007, its Fellows have impacted over 3 million people across 80+ countries through innovative, high-impact projects. Mr. Libby began his career in the U.S. Government and global consulting. A Presidential Leadership Scholar and active member of several leadership councils including Tech:NYC, Milken Young Leaders, and Fast Company Impact Council he has advised on innovation, social entrepreneurship, and the future of work. A Harvard magna cum laude graduate, his insights have been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and CNBC, and he has spoken at Harvard, the UN, and major global forums.

Kausar Khan is the Renewable Energy Technical Advisor and Program Manager for C40 Cities South African Clean Energy Program, where she supports our 5 metros in procuring clean power, advancing municipal IPP procurement, and achieving their climate action targets. She is mechanical engineer and a certified project management professional, she has more than a decade of experience across utility scale solar, wind, and green hydrogen projects. Among her notable achievements was leading eThekwini’s Regional Green Hydrogen Strategy, which was adopted by Council in 2023. A 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow and board member of Hydrogen Africa, she also champions inclusive energy transitions through mentorship of women in the energy sector. She is also engaged in the circular-economy sector where she is leading a social venture that is addressing material wastage in the construction sector and the need for materials in the informal housing sector.