Africa faces a dual challenge: widespread energy poverty and climate change. However, amidst these obstacles lies immense opportunity. A rapidly growing cleantech sector, abundant natural resources, and a young, energetic population position Africa for a sustainable future.
Crucially, women are at the forefront of this transformation. They are not only disproportionately impacted by energy poverty but are also driving innovative solutions. Companies like Baridi, a woman-led business providing affordable solar-powered cooling for pastoralist communities, and Wala Clean Energy, which blends traditional farming with solar irrigation, exemplify this leadership.
Despite their potential, women remain underrepresented in cleantech investment. Only 17% of funded startups in Africa have a female co-founder, and just 13% of investors are women. However, the tide is turning. More women are entering the workforce, and the number of women-led cleantech companies is rising.
To fully unlock this potential, change is needed. Governments and organizations must enact policies promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Initiatives like the Gender and Energy Compact and the African Women Impact Fund Initiative demonstrate positive steps in this direction.
Increased financial support for gender-focused cleantech projects is also critical. Currently, such initiatives receive a small fraction of available funding. Fortunately, platforms like the Zayed Sustainability Prize are bridging the gap.
By empowering women and prioritizing their inclusion, Africa can achieve a sustainable future that benefits all. As Wangari Maathai reminds us, “We owe it to ourselves and to the next generation” to create a world where prosperity and environmental responsibility coexist. Women are leading the charge in Africa’s cleantech revolution, and it’s time to support them in building a brighter tomorrow.
