Ralph Schneider
Entrepreneur - Investor - Visionary
"My greatest concern is to leave our children and grandchildren a sustainable world worth living in."
As co-founder and CEO of EWIA Green Investments, I have been involved in renewable energies, corporate responsibility and sustainable value creation for over twenty years – particularly in Africa.
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I am not interested in short-term effects, but in resilient structures.
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Not narratives, but realities.
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Not symbolism, but impact.
In addition to my entrepreneurial activities, I also write novels under a pseudonym about power, capital and social boundaries.
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About me
I am an entrepreneur and investor with an international focus and more than two decades of experience in the solar and energy industry. As co-founder and CEO of EWIA Green Investments, I enable and finance high-quality photovoltaic systems and energy infrastructure for commercial and industrial customers in Africa.
My goal is to promote sustainable prosperity and effective climate protection on a market economy basis
in partnership, for the long term and on an equal footing.
Professional Career
Before founding EWIA, I held senior positions in the international solar industry/ banking sector for many years.
I was a member of the board of directors of the listed company Phoenix Solar AG (Phoenix Solara Energy Investments AG), where I was responsible for the development, financing and implementation of solar parks in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Eastern Europe.
I was also Head of West and East Africa at Yingli Solar Europe, one of the world's leading solar module manufacturers, for over four years. In this role, I was responsible for projects in Africa, Europe and Asia.
I began my professional career at major banks, investment companies and in the renewables division at Royal Dutch Shell.
Focus Areas & Expertise
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Project development and corporate management
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Financing, M&A and structuring
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Renewable energies and solar industry
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Market entry and business development in Africa
Education & Language
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Degrees in real estate economics, business administration and banking
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Business fluent in German and English
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Basic knowledge of French
Personal
I am married, the father of two adult daughters, and live in a rural area near Munich.
I have consistently implemented my own personal energy transition – with my own photovoltaic system, heat pumps, and an electric vehicle.
I find balance in sport, saunas, and literature, as well as in classical music, jazz, and chansons.
I am interested in politics, current affairs, theatre, opera, wine and good food.
I am also an author. Under a pseudonym, I write and publish novels about capital, power and social boundaries.
Author/Speaker
I regularly attend conferences and meetings. I also act as a keynote speaker or participant in panel discussions on topics such as sustainability, impact, financing, corporate governance and Africa.
In addition, I am currently planning to publish a non-fiction book on business opportunities and renewable energies on the continent of opportunity, Africa.