Desalegn Abebe

Ethiopian engineer who pioneered solar energy solutions in rural Africa

Desalegn Abebe (b. 1975) is an Ethiopian innovator whose solar energy projects have brought electricity to over 500,000 rural households. Starting in 1998, he developed low-cost solar systems using locally available materials, creating the Kaldi Solar Initiative. His modular systems allow communities to assemble and maintain solar panels without external expertise. Abebe's 2003 invention of the 'Solar Kiosk' model enabled villagers to rent solar batteries affordably, winning him the UNEP Champions of the Earth award. His work has reduced deforestation from firewood collection and improved educational outcomes through nighttime lighting. The World Bank cited his models as a blueprint for Africa's energy transition in their 2018 Renewable Energy Report. Abebe currently leads the African Renewable Energy Network (AREN), training 10,000 technicians annually.