The Consortium

The University of York is a globally recognised, research-intensive institution leading the CREDiT (Ayrton Project) programme with internationally respected expertise in sustainable energy, climate resilience, and international development. As the project’s lead partner, York provides strategic leadership, technical oversight, and research excellence to ensure the delivery of impactful, evidence-based energy solutions across ODA regions.

With extensive experience working across Africa and other developing regions, the university brings a strong understanding of local contexts alongside global research capability. Its interdisciplinary approach combines engineering, environmental science, economics, and social research to develop scalable, inclusive, and sustainable interventions.

York’s leadership in CREDiT also reflects its commitment to long-term capacity building through collaboration with local universities, institutions, and communities. By promoting knowledge exchange, skills development, and co-created solutions, the University of York helps ensure that the programme delivers lasting impact beyond the life of the project.

The Technical University of Mombasa is a leading public university in Kenya with a strong reputation for technical education, engineering, and applied sciences. As a key partner in the CREDiT (Ayrton Project) programme, TUM brings practical expertise, regional knowledge, and strong community links that support the delivery of sustainable energy solutions along Kenya’s coast.

With expertise in renewable energy systems, applied engineering, and workforce development, TUM plays an important role in bridging academic research with real-world implementation. Its close connections to coastal communities, fisheries, and local industries provide valuable insight into the social and economic contexts in which CREDiT operates.

TUM’s contribution to the programme includes technical support for renewable energy deployment, field research, capacity building, and training for local technicians and communities. Through student engagement, applied research, and long-term skills development, the university helps strengthen local capability and supports the sustainable growth and scalability of energy initiatives across the region.

Coastal Marine Resource Development (COMRED) is a community-focused organisation working along Kenya’s coastline to support sustainable livelihoods, marine conservation, and local economic resilience. As a partner in the CREDiT (Ayrton Project) programme, COMRED brings deep local knowledge, trusted community relationships, and extensive experience working with coastal fishing communities and Beach Management Units (BMUs).

With a strong focus on community-led development, COMRED plays a vital role in ensuring that project interventions are locally relevant, inclusive, and sustainable. Its expertise in fisheries-based livelihoods, governance, and environmental stewardship helps align energy solutions with the real needs of coastal communities, including challenges linked to cold storage, processing, and market access.

Working closely with the Technical University of Mombasa, COMRED helps bridge technical innovation with practical implementation on the ground. Through community engagement, capacity building, and local ownership, the organisation supports the long-term sustainability and impact of CREDiT initiatives across coastal Kenya.

United Church of Zambia (UCZ) is one of Zambia’s largest and most established faith-based organisations, with a long-standing commitment to community development, education, and rural support services. As a partner in the CREDiT (Ayrton Project) programme, UCZ brings deep community connections, trusted local networks, and strong institutional leadership that support the long-term sustainability and impact of project activities.

Through its ownership and management of Chipembi College of Agriculture, UCZ provides an important platform for education, skills development, and community engagement. The college serves as a hub for local services, training, and economic activity, enabling CREDiT initiatives to reach both students and surrounding rural communities.

UCZ plays a vital enabling role within the programme by supporting local coordination, stakeholder engagement, and community participation. Its strong governance structures, rural presence, and commitment to inclusive development help ensure that project benefits are locally embedded, scalable, and sustainable over the long term.

Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) is Malawi’s leading public university specialising in agriculture, natural resources, and environmental sciences. As a key partner in the CREDiT (Ayrton Project) programme, LUANAR brings nationally recognised expertise in sustainable agriculture, water management, and rural development, helping to ensure that energy interventions deliver meaningful benefits for farming communities and local livelihoods.

With extensive experience working alongside smallholder farmers across Malawi, LUANAR combines academic excellence with practical, field-based research and outreach. Its expertise in irrigation systems, climate resilience, food security, and natural resource management provides critical insight into the challenges facing rural communities, particularly in water access and agricultural productivity.

LUANAR plays an important role in supporting evidence-based project design, capacity building, and the development of locally appropriate solutions. Through farmer training, student engagement, and community-focused research, the university helps strengthen long-term resilience and supports the sustainable scaling of CREDiT initiatives across Malawi.