Betty Wangari

Kenyan entrepreneur revolutionizing renewable energy access in East Africa

Betty Wangari is the founder and CEO of SolarNow, a company pioneering pay-as-you-go solar energy solutions across East Africa. Since launching in 2020, her business has provided clean energy access to over 500,000 households in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania through innovative microfinance models. By eliminating upfront costs through installment plans, SolarNow has made solar technology affordable for rural populations previously dependent on kerosene and diesel generators.

Wangari's approach combines environmental sustainability with economic empowerment, creating 3,000+ local jobs in installation and maintenance. Her company's 2023 UN Climate Report case study highlights how their systems reduce CO2 emissions by 120,000 tons annually while improving educational outcomes through reliable lighting and device charging.

Beyond business operations, Wangari co-founded the Energize Africa Initiative in 2022, a coalition of 15 renewable energy startups sharing technology and distribution networks. This collaboration has accelerated solar adoption rates by 40% in member regions. Her TED Talk "How Solar Energy is Lighting Up Africa" (2023) has garnered 2.1 million views, positioning her as a leading voice in global renewable energy discourse.