Ibrahim Diallo

A Senegalese renewable energy pioneer who revolutionized access to solar power in West Africa

Ibrahim Diallo (b. 1989) is a visionary engineer and entrepreneur whose work in solar energy deployment has transformed rural electrification efforts across West Africa. In 2022, he founded SolarWave Energy Solutions, a company that developed portable solar micro-grids specifically designed for off-grid communities. His innovative "Pay-As-You-Go Solar Kits" system (TechCrunch coverage) allows families to purchase energy credits via mobile money systems, making clean energy affordable for populations living on less than $2/day. By 2024, his projects had provided electricity to over 500,000 people in Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

Diallo's Nature article detailing his community-centric approach inspired similar initiatives in 14 African countries. His Solar Literacy Program trains local technicians, creating over 10,000 jobs in renewable energy sectors. In 2025, he launched Africa Solar Alliance, a pan-continental network connecting 200+ renewable energy cooperatives.

Key innovations include the "Solar Suitcase" - a ruggedized solar generator powering healthcare clinics during childbirth emergencies - and the "AgroSolar Hub" systems that integrate solar irrigation with crop drying technologies. His work has reduced regional diesel consumption by 40% while cutting CO2 emissions by an estimated 2.3 million tons annually. Diallo's TED Talk "Sunshine for All" has been viewed over 8 million times, spreading awareness about Africa's energy potential.