M. Yuri Lima Handem

Yuri Lima Handem is a Senior Energy Specialist from Guinea Bissau, currently based in Abuja, with more than fifteen years of experience in the energy sector across West Africa and beyond. His expertise spans the private sector, public institutions, Development Finance Institutions, and nearly a decade with the World Bank. Yuri has played pivotal roles as project coordinator, technical leader, entrepreneur, and manager, leading the design and preparation of Guinea Bissau's first large-scale solar power and electricity access project, and co-leading the Emergency Water and Electricity Services project, which improved utility revenues and expanded electricity access. Regionally, he contributed to major infrastructure projects such as the OMVG Interconnection and championed rural electrification through programs like ROGEAP and the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access projects.

Before his tenure at the World Bank, Yuri served as Senior Energy Advisor at Practical Action and Technical Coordinator at ECREEE, successfully advancing regional off-grid electrification, solar standards, and mentoring local energy entrepreneurs. As founder and CEO of DuraEnergy SARL, he led installations of photovoltaic systems and energy efficiency solutions in Guinea Bissau and Senegal.

Yuri holds a European Master in Renewable Energy from Loughborough and Northumbria Universities, and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. Fluent in English, French, Portuguese, and Creole — with proficiency in Spanish and Wolof — he is widely recognized for his technical expertise, leadership, and dedication to sustainable development. His achievements have earned him several honors, including the VPU Award in 2024, reflecting his commitment to clean energy transitions and empowering local capacity across West Africa.