Lerato Maduna

Co-founder of SolarNow, empowering African rural communities with renewable energy solutions

Lerato Maduna is a South African social entrepreneur and co-founder of SolarNow, a company revolutionizing access to clean energy in sub-Saharan Africa. Born in 1989, she witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by rural communities lacking basic electricity. This inspired her to create innovative solar solutions that combine technology with community engagement.

Through SolarNow's pay-as-you-go model, over 250,000 households across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania have gained access to reliable electricity since 2016. The company's smart solar systems allow users to pay via mobile money, making energy affordable even for low-income families. Maduna's approach integrates local partnerships, training community members as technicians to ensure sustainable implementation.

Her work has been recognized by the UN Energy Prize (2021) and Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 list. Maduna emphasizes empowering women as key stakeholders, with 60% of SolarNow's technicians being female. She collaborates with organizations like the World Bank and African Development Bank to scale impact. Read more on SolarNow's official site or Forbes Africa profile.