Ernst Vriesendorp takes on the CFO role at African Clean Energy (ACE) as it enters a critical phase in its growth. He speaks to CFO East Africa about his plans to leverage his experience in impact-driven finance and operational scale-ups across frontier markets to support ACE’s mission to channel investment into solutions that deliver tangible social and environmental value
What drew you to the CFO role at African Clean Energy?
I was drawn to ACE's purpose driven model, bridging the clean energy access gap with its smart all-in-one solution, scalable technology and carbon finance. ACE's integrated approach, particularly its focus on solar-biomass powered cooking and digital monitoring, reporting and verification, resonates well with my background in impact driven finance and operational scale-ups across frontier markets in Africa.
How does it feel to leave SolarNow after nearly three years?
Leaving SolarNow is bittersweet. I’m proud of what we accomplished, which includes strengthening financial systems, optimising operations, and navigating the business through a complex restructuring process. At the same time, I’m excited to apply those lessons in a new context at ACE, where I see great potential for long-term impact.
What inspired your decision to make this move?
This move was driven by both alignment and opportunity. ACE offered a chance to contribute to a growing company at a pivotal moment, when it is expanding across multiple markets while innovating at the intersection of clean cooking and carbon finance. That combination, along with the team’s ambition and values, made the decision feel right.
At SolarNow, you held both strategic and operational responsibilities as CFO and COO. How does your new role compare to this in scope?
While my title at ACE is CFO, the scope is similarly broad. Beyond finance, I’ll be contributing to market expansion, impact financing strategy, and operational execution, especially as ACE scales its PayGo model and manufacturing capacity. In that sense, the role continues to blend financial leadership with hands-on business building.
How are you processing the move to Nairobi, both personally and professionally, after having settled in Uganda for the last three years?
Uganda has been home, so it’s a transition. But Nairobi and Kenya offer a dynamic ecosystem for clean energy and climate tech, and I’m looking forward to being closer to partners, talent, and policy conversations. Personally, it’s a new chapter, and I’m embracing it with curiosity and gratitude.
As you step into your new role, what are the immediate priorities or challenges on your radar?
A few key priorities stand out: ensuring robust financial systems across ACE’s markets, strengthening the carbon financing engine that underpins the model, and supporting the strategic rollout of new products. Additionally, building a strong finance team and aligning financial planning with ACE’s growth trajectory will be crucial from day one.
