Thandiwe Masha

A South African entrepreneur who revolutionized rural energy access through community-driven solar initiatives

Thandiwe Masha is a visionary social entrepreneur from South Africa whose work has transformed energy access for thousands in rural communities. Born in 1985 in Johannesburg, she witnessed firsthand the challenges of energy poverty during her childhood visits to rural areas. This experience led her to co-found Ubuntu Solar in 2014, an organization that provides affordable solar energy solutions through a community-based model.

Ubuntu Solar's innovative approach combines pay-as-you-go solar systems with community training programs, creating local jobs while expanding energy access. By 2020, the initiative had provided clean energy to over 50,000 households across six provinces. Masha's model has been recognized globally, including a 2018 Ashoka Fellowship and a 2020 Clinton Global Initiative Award. Her TED Talk "How Solar Energy is Lighting Up South African Villages" has over 2 million views.

Beyond technical innovation, Masha emphasizes cultural sensitivity in implementation. She works directly with local leaders to ensure systems align with community needs, preserving traditional knowledge while introducing modern technology. Her work has inspired similar initiatives in Kenya and Tanzania, demonstrating the replicability of her model. Masha's contributions to sustainable development were highlighted in the UNDP's 2021 report on Africa's energy transitions.