Women entrepreneurs are transforming Africa’s energy landscape, addressing the challenge of 520 million people living without power. These startups combine clean energy solutions with local empowerment, creating jobs and improving lives. Here’s a quick look at 10 standout women-led renewable energy ventures:
- WidEnergy Africa (Zambia): Pay-as-you-go solar systems for rural households, with 60% female workforce.
- Solar Sister (Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda): Grassroots networks training women to sell solar products.
- Strauss Energy Ltd (Kenya): Solar roof tiles integrating energy generation with building materials.
- Clean Technology Hub (Nigeria): Incubator supporting women-led clean energy startups.
- WomHub (South Africa): Accelerator providing funding, mentorship, and training for women entrepreneurs.
- M-Kyala Ventures (East Africa): Renewable energy solutions combined with agricultural advancements.
- Green Girls Organization (Cameroon): Training women in biodigesters, solar panels, and eco-briquettes.
- Solar Freeze (Kenya): Solar-powered cold storage units for smallholder farmers.
- Safi Organics (Kenya): Turning agricultural waste into biochar and renewable energy.
- Easy Solar (Liberia):Provides affordable solar solutions to communities lacking reliable electricity access
These businesses prove that women are not just participants – they are leaders in Africa’s clean energy transition, improving energy access while driving economic growth.
Solar Sister: Empowering African Women With Clean Energy
1. WidEnergy Africa (Zambia)
WidEnergy Africa, co-founded in September 2016 by Liliane Munezero Chabuka and Agnes Imasiku, is making strides in Zambia’s energy sector by offering solar-powered solutions. Their work addresses a pressing issue – less than 4% of rural households in Zambia have access to electricity [7].
The company operates in six provinces, providing pay-as-you-go solar systems to 8,500 households. Their approach goes beyond energy access, bundling it with internet and mobile money services through mobile-based distribution systems. This integrated model ensures households gain access to both power and digital connectivity.
WidEnergy Africa’s commitment to empowering women is evident in its workforce: 60% of employees are women, and 39% of their 600+ community ambassadors are female. This aligns with the broader theme of women driving economic progress in the energy sector.
“Promoting the participation of women in the renewable energy sector is vital as the sector plays a bigger role helping to provide access to energy for all.” – Jennifer Boca, Head of Environmental, Social and Governance at Lekela, IFC Energy2Equal Program
Looking ahead, the company aims to expand its reach to 45,000 households while venturing into clean cookstoves and solar-powered agricultural tools.
2. Solar Sister (Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda)
Solar Sister uses a mobile-based distribution model to bring clean energy to communities in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. Similar to WidEnergy, it relies on local grassroots networks to reach areas with limited access to electricity.
The organization focuses on empowering local women by training them to become clean energy entrepreneurs. These women sell certified solar products, including small solar lamps and full solar home systems, to their communities.
So far, Solar Sister has distributed 300,000 solar devices across Nigeria, positively impacting the lives of 60,000 people [2][5]. In Tanzania, entrepreneur Juliet Chacha saw her monthly sales increase fivefold through the program.
To support these entrepreneurs, Solar Sister offers business training, access to wholesale solar products, and ongoing mentorship. This approach helps build sustainable local markets for clean energy solutions.
“Solar Sister invests in women’s enterprise in off-grid communities.” – Katherine Lucey, Founder and CEO, Solar Sister
Looking ahead, Solar Sister aims to train 2,500 more entrepreneurs in Nigeria, with the goal of bringing clean energy to 1 million people [5].
3. Strauss Energy Ltd (Kenya)
Strauss Energy Ltd,co- founded in 2013 by Charity Wanjiku, focuses on solar energy solutions in Kenya with its 2-in-1 Solar Roof Tile technology. These tiles combine roofing materials with built-in solar panels, removing the need for separate installations while keeping the design visually appealing. Similar to Solar Sister’s mobile distribution model, Strauss Energy emphasizes accessibility through local training programs and strategic initiatives.
At Gaitheri Secondary School in Murang’a County, the installation of 300m² of solar tiles cut electricity costs by 38% and powered computer labs for 450 students [3].
“Our vision is to make solar energy an integral part of every building, seamlessly blending form and function to create sustainable structures.” – Charity Wanjiku, Co-founder and COO, Strauss Energy Ltd
The company has gained recognition for its contributions to Kenya’s renewable energy goals [6]. By partnering with microfinance institutions, Strauss Energy not only provides clean energy solutions but also creates jobs and supports local communities [8].
Future plans include expanding across East Africa and introducing new solar products, following a regional approach similar to M-Kyala Ventures’ strategy [4].
4. Clean Technology Hub (Nigeria)
Clean Technology Hub, established by Ifeoma Malo as Nigeria’s first energy innovation center, supports over 60 women-led startups working on clean energy solutions. The hub offers services like research, development, and incubation to advance clean energy technologies [6].
The organization goes beyond just providing infrastructure. It focuses on practical solutions for rural communities – for example, solar driers that help farmers cut post-harvest losses [6].
“We envision an Africa where everyone has access to clean and affordable energy, and where women play a leading role in driving the transition to renewable energy sources.” – Ifeoma Malo, CEO of Clean Technology Hub
In December 2023, a grant from the Climate Gender Equity Fund (CGEF) provided seed funding for women-led climate projects that directly benefit local communities [6].
Some of its key initiatives include:
- Seed funding for women-led clean energy startups
- Technical training in renewable energy technologies
- Business mentorship to help scale sustainable solutions
- Support for developing innovative clean energy products
Similar to Strauss Energy’s emphasis on localized solutions, Clean Technology Hub tailors its programs to meet specific community needs. Through partnerships with international organizations and government agencies, it continues to make clean energy more accessible to underserved areas while championing women’s leadership in the renewable energy space.
5. WomHub (South Africa)
WomHub is more than just a startup accelerator. It’s a pan-African platform that has supported over 2,000 women entrepreneurs with initiatives like the Solar Power Café – automated solar backup systems that help businesses stay operational during power outages.
In December 2023, WomHub secured funding from the Climate Gender Equity Fund (CGEF), boosting its ability to empower women entrepreneurs in renewable energy. This approach aligns with Clean Technology Hub, blending financial support with technical expertise for women-led energy projects.
WomHub offers a range of support, including:
- Seed funding and grants for renewable energy startups
- Tailored mentorship focused on clean energy technologies
- Leadership training to help businesses scale
- Networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders
“WomHub co-founder Hema Vallabh and her team plan to expand their virtual program and make additional grants to help startups get off the ground.” – CleanTechnica, March 4, 2024
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6. M-Kyala Ventures (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda)
M-Kyala Ventures, founded by gender equity specialist Carolyne Kirabo, is dedicated to supporting women-led renewable energy businesses in East Africa. The name “M-Kyala” comes from the Luganda word mukyala, meaning “woman”, reflecting the firm’s commitment to empowering women. Inspired by WomHub’s accelerator model, M-Kyala Ventures blends renewable energy initiatives with agricultural advancements.
The company focuses on key areas like agricultural solar pumps, reforestation projects, and producing organic fertilizers integrated with energy solutions. One of its standout initiatives is the gender agroecology accelerator, which has gained momentum in Uganda. This program combines sustainable farming techniques with renewable energy, aligning closely with Clean Technology Hub’s emphasis on agricultural energy solutions.
“Founder and CEO Carolyne Kirabo is a gender-lens expert who chose the firm’s name from the word ‘mukyala,’ which means ‘woman’ in Luganda, a common dialect in Uganda.” – Climate Gender Equity Fund (CGEF)
With funding from CGEF, M-Kyala Ventures continues to expand its reach and impact. Beyond providing business support, the company is building a network of women entrepreneurs, much like Solar Sister’s grassroots efforts. These entrepreneurs tackle pressing environmental and energy issues in their communities. Through its advisory services, M-Kyala Ventures also helps businesses grow across East Africa.
7. Green Girls Organization (Cameroon)
Green Girls Organization, founded by Monique Ntumngia in 2015, has become a standout player in Cameroon’s renewable energy scene. By combining energy access with community development, they focus on equipping women with practical skills that make a difference.
Their programs teach women how to build biodigesters, install solar panels, and produce eco-briquettes from agricultural waste. Using a train-the-trainer model, similar to Solar Sister’s grassroots strategy, they’ve already trained 3,000 women across Africa. One notable project in Rhumsiki village brought electricity to 250 people while training 20 local technicians.
“We are giving women the tools to be economically independent while also tackling climate change.” – Monique Ntumngia, Founder of Green Girls Organization
This impactful work has earned them global recognition, including the WWF International President’s Youth Award in 2019. Their training programs focus on hands-on experience, ensuring participants acquire real-world skills in renewable energy technologies.
Looking ahead, Green Girls Organization plans to expand into five more African countries by 2026, offering affordable and locally tailored solutions.
8.Solar Freeze (Kenya)
Solar Freeze is making waves in Kenya by offering solar-powered cold storage solutions tailored for smallholder farmers. Much like Ecoprise’s efforts in Ghana, the company focuses on improving agricultural outcomes, particularly through women-led cooperatives.
Their mobile-friendly solar cooling systems, controlled via a mobile app, have transformed how farmers store their produce. These systems extend the shelf life of crops from just 2 days to an impressive 21 days, reducing waste and giving farmers more flexibility. Solar Freeze also provides training programs specifically designed for women, ensuring they can fully utilize these technologies.
“Our solar-powered cold storage units are giving smallholder farmers the ability to store their harvest for longer periods, allowing them to sell when market prices are more favorable.” – Dysmus Kisilu, Founder and CEO (and former Obama Foundation Scholar)
In Makueni County, a 2019 partnership with the government led to the installation of 50 units. These units helped 1,500 farmers cut post-harvest losses by 80% and increase their incomes by 50%. The company has also established women-led cooperatives to encourage resource sharing and knowledge exchange, drawing inspiration from Solar Sister’s grassroots training model.
Solar Freeze is expanding its reach to Uganda and Tanzania while working on new solar irrigation systems. Their remote monitoring tools ensure that farmers across their network get consistent support and optimal system performance.
9. Safi Organics (Kenya)
Safi Organics, co-founded by Joyce Kamande, is tackling agricultural and energy challenges in rural Kenya. By turning agricultural waste into organic fertilizers and renewable energy, the company provides practical solutions for local communities.
Their process converts crop residues into biochar and biogas, offering two key benefits: renewable energy generation and a reduction of 6,900 tons of CO2 emissions. This aligns with Kenya’s climate goals and supports sustainable farming practices.
In 2019, Safi Organics worked with 2,300 farmers in Meru County, increasing crop yields by 27% while cutting fertilizer costs by 55%. Kamande also leads training programs for women, equipping them with skills in biochar production and distribution. This focus on female empowerment creates job opportunities in areas where they are often scarce, helping women engage in renewable energy initiatives.
The company’s model significantly lowers emissions by 2-3 tons per ton of fertilizer produced, contributing to Kenya’s renewable energy targets. With its community-focused approach, Safi Organics has the potential to expand across Africa, offering a scalable solution to energy access and soil health challenges in agricultural regions.
10. Easy Solar (Sierra Leone, Liberia)
Solar Freeze, established in 2015 in Kenya, addresses the critical issue of post-harvest losses among smallholder farmers by providing mobile, solar-powered cold storage units. These innovative units significantly reduce spoilage by maintaining low temperatures, thereby extending the shelf life of perishable produce. This approach not only enhances food security but also increases farmers’ incomes by allowing them to store and sell their produce at optimal times. [2).
In 2018, Solar Freeze expanded its services to the Kakuma refugee camp, offering sustainable and affordable cooling solutions for both food and medical supplies. The initiative has supported health clinics and small businesses within the camp, providing reliable cold storage essential for preserving vaccines and perishable goods. Additionally, Solar Freeze has provided free technical training to 100 women and young people, empowering them with skills in renewable energy and equipment maintenance. [2)
The organization’s “Each One, Teach One—Train and Earn” program mentors women and youth aged 18 to 29 in climate-smart agriculture and the operation, maintenance, and repair of renewable energy equipment. This initiative not only promotes sustainable agricultural practices but also fosters economic empowerment within rural communities. [2]
By integrating renewable energy solutions into agriculture, Solar Freeze effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with food spoilage and traditional energy sources, contributing to environmental conservation and the fight against climate change. [2)
Conclusion
Women-led renewable energy startups in Africa are reshaping how innovation meets social progress. From mobile-based solar distribution in Zambia to bioenergy training programs in Cameroon, these entrepreneurs are blending technology with community-focused solutions.
These businesses go beyond just delivering energy. By utilizing pay-as-you-go systems and women-led distribution networks, they’ve expanded access to clean energy for thousands while generating local employment. Innovations like solar-powered irrigation (Ecoprise) and cold storage solutions (Solar Freeze) show how these startups balance profitability with meaningful social impact.
“Women entrepreneurs are not just participants but are becoming leaders in driving Africa’s renewable energy revolution.” – Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO of Sustainable Energy for All [4]
Despite their contributions, women-led energy startups still receive less than 1% of global venture capital [1], a glaring gap given their proven impact.
The renewable energy sector is projected to generate over 18 million jobs by 2030 [1], offering a chance to boost women’s roles in leadership and employment. These startups don’t just deliver energy – they’re setting the stage for inclusive economic growth and stronger communities.
The 10 ventures highlighted here emphasize the importance of backing women entrepreneurs in renewable energy. Their efforts are accelerating Africa’s clean energy transition while fostering sustainable and equitable development.
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