Wangari Mutua

Pioneering Kenyan entrepreneur revolutionizing sustainable energy access through innovative solar solutions

Wangari Mutua is a Kenyan entrepreneur and co-founder of M-KOPA Solar, a company that has brought clean energy to over 2 million people across Africa since its launch in 2011. As a female tech innovator in a male-dominated sector, she's made significant contributions to sustainable development goals. The M-KOPA system allows customers to pay for solar products through mobile payments, making renewable energy affordable for low-income households. This model has reduced reliance on kerosene lamps and charcoal, cutting carbon emissions by an estimated 1 million tons annually.

Mutua's work was recognized globally when M-KOPA received the GSMA Mobile Money Excellence Award in 2015. By 2019, the company had expanded operations to Tanzania and Uganda, proving the replicability of their business model. Her TED Talk "How to light up a country with microfinance and mobile phones" (2017) explains her vision for inclusive energy access.

Collaborations with organizations like the World Bank and UNDP have amplified M-KOPA's impact. A 2018 WHO report highlighted how their systems improve health outcomes by reducing indoor pollution. Mutua's leadership exemplifies how technology can bridge development gaps, making her a key figure in Africa's clean energy transition.