Improving energy access in Africa

Faith Bagire (MS ECE '21) is improving energy access in Africa, thanks to his academic journey at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. Bagire became an accomplished researcher in sustainable energy through his passion for solving real-world problems and his active participation in campus clubs.

Bagire's interest in engineering began in childhood when he tinkered with discarded electronics. After earning an undergraduate degree at the University of Rwanda, he joined Zipline (an autonomous delivery company) before focusing on studies at CMU-Africa. Bagire completed two research projects while working towards his master’s degree in electrical computer engineering: a project that involved repurposing Li-ion batteries, and a second project focused on testing the feasibility and performance of a prototyped electric tractor powered by solar energy. The second project, done in collaboration with Volkswagen Group Innovation, formed the basis of his first scientific paper, “Analysis of A Fully Electric Tractor Performance Through Field Trials in Rwanda,” presented at the 2022 IEEE Southern Power Electronics Conference (SPEC’22) in Fiji.

As president of the Energy and Embedded Systems Club at CMU-Africa, Bagire developed skills in communication, organization, and leadership during his time on campus. He credits faculty, staff, peers, and club members for providing him with guidance and mentorship and challenging him to be his best self.

When you are at CMU-Africa, you can explore different things. And one thing you should never forget is the power of networking.

Faith Bagire

Today, Bagire focuses on addressing energy access issues in Africa and pursuing a career in sustainable energy. He attributes his journey at CMU-Africa to inspiring him to explore his interests and pursue his passion.

"When you are at CMU-Africa, you can explore different things. And one thing you should never forget is the power of networking," Bagire advises.

Bagire's time at CMU-Africa shaped his career and provided him with valuable experiences. He describes CMU-Africa as a place where anything is possible if you are willing to work for it and expresses gratitude for the opportunities he had on campus.