Jessica Colaco

Co-founder of M-KOPA Solar, revolutionizing access to affordable solar energy in Africa

Jessica Colaco is a Kenyan entrepreneur and co-founder of M-KOPA Solar, a company that has transformed energy access across sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2012, M-KOPA provides off-grid households with affordable solar power systems through a pay-as-you-go model. By 2019, the company had connected over 2 million households to clean energy, displacing the use of kerosene lamps and reducing carbon emissions. Colaco's innovation addresses energy poverty while fostering economic empowerment, as customers save money and gain access to lighting, mobile charging, and other essential services. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). M-KOPA's success has inspired similar ventures globally, positioning Colaco as a leader in social enterprise and renewable energy scaling.

Colaco's background in finance and technology informed her approach to blending profitability with social impact. She has been recognized by Forbes and the Skoll Foundation for her contributions. Her partnership with organizations like the World Bank and Shell demonstrates the scalability of her model. Beyond Kenya, M-KOPA expanded to Tanzania and Uganda, reinforcing Colaco's vision of a continent powered by sustainable energy. Her story is a testament to how business models can address systemic inequalities while driving environmental sustainability.