Fikre Mulugeta

Pioneered renewable energy initiatives in rural Ethiopia through innovative solar solutions

Fikre Mulugeta is a visionary engineer and social entrepreneur from Ethiopia whose work since 2020 has revolutionized access to clean energy in rural regions. By developing low-cost solar microgrids, he's brought electricity to over 200 villages through his organization Solar Ethiopia. His modular solar systems use AI-driven energy management, reducing costs by 40% compared to traditional solutions. Partnering with UNICEF and the African Development Bank, his projects have created 1,500+ jobs while cutting carbon emissions by 35,000 tons annually. Notably, his mobile solar kiosk concept received the 2023 Global Cleantech Innovation Award.

Mulugeta's approach integrates local craftsmanship, training 500+ women as solar technicians through apprenticeship programs. His 2022 TEDx talk "Powering Ethiopia with People Power" highlights community-driven solutions. Current projects include floating solar farms on Lake Tana and hybrid systems for nomadic communities. His work has inspired similar initiatives in Kenya and Tanzania, establishing Ethiopia as a leader in decentralized renewable energy strategies.