Mobilize
We agree objectives, governance and decision rights with the sponsor, and stand up one accountable team.
Key deliverables
- Project charter
- Governance structure
- Stakeholder map
Founder and CEO
Eng. Hizkyas Dufera
A senior executive and engineer with over two decades of international experience spanning sustainable and precision agriculture, renewable energy and aerospace, leading infrastructure and systems work from design through delivery.
To turn ambitious plans into delivered outcomes by putting people who know the sector in the room where the work gets done.
Offices: Ethiopia · United States
Profile
Engineering depth, hands-on execution
Hizkyas Dufera is a highly accomplished senior executive with over two decades of international experience spanning sustainable and precision agriculture, renewable energy, and aerospace. As the Founder and Managing Partner of OIC, he brings a wealth of expertise in project development, strategic advisory, and fund management, making him a pivotal figure in driving sustainable growth and innovative solutions for clients worldwide.
Hizkyas is also deeply involved in digital transformation, recognizing its pivotal role in modernizing industries and fostering innovation. His work in integrating digital solutions into traditional sectors has helped streamline operations, improve efficiency, and accelerate development across various initiatives.
Advisory mandates
Senior advisor to government and institutions
As Senior Advisor to several government and non-governmental organizations, Hizkyas and OIC have driven significant advancements across sectors.
MoWE
Ministry of Water and Energy
As Senior Advisor to the Minister, designed and developed the mini-grid pilot program for rural electrification, which led to a $500 million scale-up program. Led the Ethiopian National Electrification Program, spearheaded power sector reforms, and conducted transaction advisory on behalf of the government for geothermal Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).
MILLs
Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands
Conceptualized and spearheaded the Climate Resilient Irrigation for Sustainable Production (CRISP) program, Small-Scale Irrigation (SSI) projects, solar-powered hydroponic fodder systems, camel milk value chains, AI-enabled early warning systems, and a private sector-led irrigation policy and regulatory framework.
EEU
Ethiopian Electric Utility
As Senior Consultant to the EEU leadership, provided technical assistance in implementing solar mini-grid systems, significantly enhancing energy access in rural areas.
ENDF
Ethiopian National Defense Forces
OIC supported the ENDF in innovative projects, including ICE-to-EV conversion of public fleets, integrated farming with fish processing, honey production, and precision farming for oilseeds and fruit.
Landmark achievements
Beyond these advisory roles, Hizkyas' career is marked by several landmark achievements. He led Ethiopia's National Irrigation Program (NIP), spearheaded the nation's first mini-grid project, and secured significant funding to enhance sustainable energy initiatives. He developed groundbreaking solar and battery technologies that have been implemented in developing countries and used by the U.S. Navy. His prior work in the US further solidified his reputation as an innovator in renewable energy and aerospace systems.
Renowned for his strategic vision and negotiation acumen, Hizkyas has mobilized international resources, developed bankable projects, and forged partnerships across the USA, Europe, Asia, and Africa. His efforts have contributed substantially to sustainable development, energy access, and economic empowerment in underserved regions.
A co-author of several influential publications, Hizkyas is not only advancing technological frontiers but is also a staunch advocate for environmental sustainability and social progress.
Project management
From strategy on paper to assets on the ground
A strategy only matters once something is built. OIC takes ownership of delivery for governments, utilities, financiers and private sponsors: one accountable team that plans, procures, controls and commissions until the asset is working on the ground. We measure ourselves by what gets delivered and handed over, not by the reports we write.
Core capabilities
Six disciplines we own, end to end
Program & portfolio governance
One OIC team stays accountable from the first workplan to the final handover. We set the governance, own the decision log and keep every site of a multi-site program moving to a single plan, so responsibility never falls between contractors.
Project development & financing
We structure bankable projects, from feasibility to financing framework, then stay answerable to the funders. Public, donor and private financiers get the evidence they need to stay confident right through delivery, not just at signing.
Procurement & contractor oversight
We design rigorous tenders, evaluate bids on value and audit contractors against what they committed to. Scope, quality and cost are protected on site, not just in the contract.
Schedule, cost & risk control
We hold a live baseline for scope, time and budget and work the risk register proactively. Bottlenecks are caught and escalated before they become delays or overruns.
Stakeholder & government coordination
We orchestrate ministries, utilities, contractors and local communities around transparent, shared milestones. Everyone sees the same progress, and decisions reach the right desk before they hold up the work.
Quality, commissioning & handover
We stress-test systems, commission them and train the operators before we step back. Local teams take over an asset they are ready to run, not a set of drawings.
Operational workflow
The road from mobilization to handover
Baseline
We lock scope, schedule and budget, and map the risks that could move them.
Key deliverables
- Integrated workplan
- Cost baseline
- Risk register
Execute & control
We procure and supervise delivery partners, track every workstream against the baseline and control every change.
Key deliverables
- Procurement plan
- Change log
- Site supervision
Report
Sponsors and financiers get a regular, candid view of progress, spend, risk and the decisions needed from them.
Key deliverables
- Progress dashboards
- Financier reporting
- Decision requests
Close & hand over
We commission the assets, train the operating team and capture lessons for the next phase.
Key deliverables
- Commissioning records
- O&M training
- Lessons learned
What sets us apart
Advice that doesn't stop at the report.
Most consultancies hand over a strategy. We stay to see it through.
Deep sector expertise
Practitioners who have worked inside energy, digital, transport and agriculture, and know how projects in these sectors succeed and fail.
Hands-on execution
We work alongside your teams through procurement, delivery and handover, owning outcomes rather than slide decks.
Have a project in mind?
Tell us about it and we'll connect you with the right team.