Evans Wadongo

Kenyan social entrepreneur promoting solar energy solutions in rural areas.

Evans Wadongo is a Kenyan social entrepreneur and founder of the charity Solar now Kenya, which provides solar-powered lamps to underserved communities. Growing up in a rural village without electricity, Wadongo witnessed how kerosene lamps caused health problems and limited educational opportunities. In 2004, he began crafting solar lamps using discarded materials, and by 2009 had distributed over 50,000 units. His lamps, costing just $4 each, replaced dangerous kerosene use in 150,000 households by 2022. Wadongo's approach combines technology and community empowerment - trainees assemble lamps locally, creating jobs while reducing waste. His TED Talk "Lighting Up African Nights with Solar Power" inspired partnerships with organizations like UNICEF and the World Bank. In 2015, he launched the Edu-Lite program, providing schools with solar lighting and charging stations. This initiative has extended study hours for 200,000 students and enabled teachers to prepare lessons digitally. Wadongo's innovation earned him the 2017 Global Green Hero Award. Beyond lighting, his organization now develops solar irrigation systems for farmers, boosting crop yields by 30%. Wadongo's vision emphasizes "light as a catalyst for development" - his lamps have reduced deforestation rates in lamp-recipient areas by 50% through decreased wood-burning needs. His work is documented in the 2020 documentary "Illuminating Africa", which highlights grassroots sustainability solutions.