Joseph Kibwika

Ugandan innovator bringing solar energy solutions to rural Africa through affordable microgrids

Joseph Kibwika (b. 1988) is revolutionizing energy access in East Africa as co-founder of Impact Solar, a company that has installed over 100,000 solar systems across Uganda and Kenya. Growing up in a rural village without electricity, Kibwika understood the transformative power of energy access after studying electrical engineering at Makerere University. His breakthrough came in 2012 with the Pay-As-You-Go solar model, enabling households to purchase systems through mobile money payments.

Impact Solar's microgrid systems now provide 24/3 access to 250,000 people in off-grid communities. Kibwika's innovation includes developing low-cost inverters and solar panels through partnerships with Chinese manufacturers, reducing system costs by 40%. His work has been featured in Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 and recognized by the Green Energy Africa initiative.

Beyond technology, Kibwika created Women Energy Entrepreneurs, training 3,000+ women as solar technicians and business owners. This dual focus on technology and social equity has made Impact Solar a model for sustainable development. Kibwika's vision extends to creating Africa's first solar-powered university campus in partnership with Uganda's Makerere University, proving renewable energy can be both accessible and profitable.