Mohamed Keita

Solar energy innovator powering rural communities across West Africa

Mohamed Keita, a Malian engineer, is revolutionizing energy access in West Africa through his solar energy startup SolarGlow Africa. Starting in 2020 during the pandemic lockdowns, he developed low-cost solar microgrids specifically designed for off-grid rural areas. His modular systems provide affordable electricity to households and small businesses, currently serving over 200,000 people in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

Keita's innovation lies in using locally sourced materials and training community members as technicians through his Solar Academy Program. This approach creates jobs while ensuring system sustainability. In 2023, his Pay-As-You-Go financing model won the Global Energy Prize, securing $500,000 to expand operations.

Beyond energy access, Mohamed's initiatives include solar-powered cold storage units that reduce post-harvest food waste by 40%, and solar water purification systems that have provided clean drinking water to 150 villages. His partnership with UNICEF's Water, Sanitation & Hygiene program has expanded these solutions across Sahel region.

Notable projects include the 2022 Solar Schools Initiative, equipping 50 schools with lighting and internet connectivity, and the 2024 launch of solar-powered mobile health clinics. Mohamed Keita's vision of energy equity has inspired similar models in Ethiopia and Madagascar, earning him the Green Hero Award in 2024.