Rabia El Sherbiny

Egyptian solar energy pioneer driving renewable energy adoption in North Africa

Rabia El Sherbiny is a materials scientist and entrepreneur whose innovations in solar photovoltaic technology are transforming energy systems across the Middle East. As founder of Sunrise Innovations (2019), she developed low-cost, high-efficiency solar panels optimized for desert environments. Her patented 'DustGuard' coating technology reduces energy loss from sand accumulation by 65%, making solar viable in arid regions.

By 2024, her company had deployed over 1.2GW of solar capacity across Egypt, UAE and Morocco through projects like the Noor Oasis Solar Farm. El Sherbiny's 'Solar for Schools' initiative has electrified 800+ rural Egyptian schools using modular solar systems, winning the 2023 UNESCO Clean Energy Award. She pioneered the region's first solar-powered seawater desalination plant in 2022, addressing water scarcity challenges.

El Sherbiny co-authored the IEA MENA Solar Integration Report (2023), outlining pathways to achieve 40% renewable energy penetration in the region by 2030. Her TED Talk 'Harnessing the Sun's Potential' (2021) has been viewed over 2 million times. In 2024 she launched the Solar Leadership Academy, training 500+ engineers annually from developing countries in renewable energy systems.