Across Africa, a new wave of female entrepreneurs is redefining innovation at the intersection of smart technology, smart homes, and renewable energy. These women are harnessing the power of solar, IoT, and bio-climatic design to solve some of the continent’s toughest challenges—from off-grid healthcare and housing to sustainable electrification and clean water access.
Their groundbreaking solutions not only promote energy efficiency and sustainability but also improve quality of life for millions in underserved communities. With global recognition and impact-driven ventures, they are proving that African women are not just participants but pioneers in the future of smart living and renewable energy.
Meet five outstanding entrepreneurs who are lighting the path to a smarter, greener Africa.
- Norah Magero (Kenya)
Role: Co-founder & CEO of Drop Access
Innovation: Developed the VacciBox, a portable, solar-powered refrigerator to store and transport vaccines in remote areas—transforming healthcare delivery in off-grid communities.
Recognition: Winner of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation; MIT TED Fellow.
- Chinwe Ohajuruka (Nigeria)
Role: CEO & Architect at Comprehensive Design Services
Innovation: Designs affordable green solar-powered homes using bio-climatic architecture, incorporating solar-powered wells suited to local climates.
Awards: Cartier Women’s Initiative Laureate; National Geographic’s Great Energy Challenge Innovator.
- Charity Wanjiku (Kenya)
Role: Co-founder of Strauss Energy Ltd
Innovation: Creator of solar roof tiles that blend aesthetics with functionality; some models feature meters enabling households to feed excess energy back into the grid.
Accolades: Celebrated by Forbes and the World Economic Forum for her forward-thinking contributions to clean tech in rural Kenya.
- Safiatou Nana (Burkina Faso)
Role: Founder of SolarKoodoo and Sun-Taklas Energy
Innovation: Develops off-grid solar energy systems, including mobile solar-powered water pumps, bringing clean energy and essential services to remote communities.
Highlights: Named one of “5 African innovators to watch”; known for impactful contributions in rural renewable energy solutions.
- Damilola Ogunbiyi (Nigeria)
Role: CEO & UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All
Innovation: Spearheaded decentralized energy projects across Nigeria, including rural electrification and clean cooking initiatives; mobilized over $1.3 trillion in energy finance globally.
Impact: A driving force for smart energy solutions and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7.
Image Credit: Tech In Africa
