Violet Kayitesi

A trailblazing Rwandan entrepreneur driving solar energy adoption in Africa through innovative renewable energy solutions.

Violet Kayitesi is a pioneering figure in the renewable energy sector, renowned for her work in advancing solar energy access across sub-Saharan Africa. As the CEO of Globeleq, a company she co-founded in 2012, she has spearheaded projects that have electrified thousands of rural communities previously without reliable power. Her initiatives, such as the Rwanda Solar Grid Expansion Program, have reduced dependency on fossil fuels and empowered local economies through sustainable energy. Kayitesi’s advocacy for gender equality in STEM fields has also inspired countless young African women to pursue careers in technology and engineering. Her TED Talk, "Energy for All: Lighting Africa’s Future," highlights her vision for a continent powered by clean energy and social equity.

Her work has been recognized by the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative, and she serves on the board of the African Renewable Energy Alliance (AREA). Beyond business, Kayitesi co-authored Solar Pioneers: Building Africa’s Renewable Energy Revolution, a book detailing case studies of successful decentralized energy projects. Her impact extends to policy-making, influencing Rwanda’s National Energy Policy to prioritize renewable energy targets. As of 2023, Globeleq’s solar installations have prevented over 500,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, directly contributing to global climate goals.