Mumba Mphuka

Founder of SolarNow enabling clean energy access across sub-Saharan Africa

Mumba Mphuka is a Zambian-born South African entrepreneur who co-founded SolarNow, a company revolutionizing access to solar energy in rural Africa. Through his innovative pay-as-you-go financing model, over 300,000 households now have clean energy access across 6 countries. His work has reduced deforestation rates in regions where firewood was previously the primary energy source while creating 1,500+ green jobs. Mphuka's vision is exemplified through projects like the Green Jobs Africa initiative, which trains young people in renewable energy installation. In 2022 he launched the African Solar Access Fund, raising $25 million to expand operations into 12 new countries by 2025.

His approach combines technology with social impact through mobile payment integration and community-based distribution networks. A TED Fellow since 2018, Mphuka's keynote speeches like 'Energy Equity: The Missing Link in Climate Justice' have influenced UN Sustainable Energy for All initiatives. His leadership was recognized through the 2021 Africa Energy Excellence Award and 2023 Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship. Current projects include developing solar-powered irrigation systems for smallholder farmers and creating Africa's first solar energy apprenticeship program for girls aged 14-18.