Abebe Hailemariam

Pioneered solar energy solutions in rural Ethiopia, improving access to clean energy for millions

Abebe Hailemariam is a visionary entrepreneur and engineer from Ethiopia whose work has dramatically transformed rural energy access in East Africa. As founder of Ethio-Solar (established 2018), he pioneered innovative solar power systems that now serve over 500,000 households across Ethiopia. His modular solar kits, priced at just $150, enable families to transition from kerosene lamps to clean energy while creating local micro-enterprises through his 'pay-as-you-go' financing model.

Through strategic partnerships with organizations like the World Bank and UNDP, Hailemariam has expanded his reach to remote regions where traditional grid infrastructure is non-existent. His 2022 initiative 'Sunlight for Schools' has electrified 300 rural educational institutions, directly benefiting 150,000 students. Featured in National Geographic and the BBC, his work was recognized with the 2023 Africa Energy Prize.

Hailemariam's impact extends beyond energy provision - his training programs have created 2,000+ jobs for local technicians, and his solar-powered irrigation systems now sustain over 10,000 smallholder farms. His recent partnership with Tesla's Gigafactory aims to create Africa's first solar battery assembly plant in Ethiopia, further positioning the country as a renewable energy leader.