Amina Kassam

A Kenyan renewable energy innovator who brought solar power to over 500,000 rural households through her startup.

Introduction

Amina Kassam is a visionary engineer and entrepreneur whose work in renewable energy has transformed access to electricity in rural Kenya. Founded in 2020, her company Sunrise Innovations has deployed innovative solar microgrid systems that now power over 200 villages across Eastern Africa.

Key Innovations

Kassam's breakthrough came with the development of low-cost, modular solar kits that can be installed without professional technicians. These systems integrate with mobile payment platforms like M-Pesa, allowing users to pay as they consume energy. This model has been replicated in Malawi and Tanzania, creating a replicable blueprint for energy access in developing regions.

Social Impact

By enabling consistent lighting and phone charging, Sunrise Innovations' systems have increased school attendance by 30% in target communities and created 1,200 local jobs in installation and maintenance. Amina's work was recognized with the 2023 Global Energy Prize, awarded by the World Future Council.

Future Vision

In 2025, Kassam launched the Energize Africa Initiative, a $50 million fund to support female-led energy startups across the continent. Her TED Talk Solar Power's Bright Future in Africa has garnered over 2 million views.