“Our focus is on young people and their innovations. They are the future stewards of global sustainability. The enablers of the change our world urgently needs,” said Giulia Genuardi, Managing Director of the ENEL Foundation, as she reflected on the importance of youth-led creativity in building a sustainable future.
Her words set the tone for the awarding ceremony of the wAtt-Boost – Youth Powered Start-up in Africa programme, launched earlier this year by the ENEL Foundation in partnership with the RES4Africa Foundation, Strathmore Energy Research Centre, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), with support from the Italian Mattei Plan for Africa.
The programme attracted more than 100 submissions, which were carefully narrowed down to 14 before six final solutions were selected. It sets out to empower young African entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to drive sustainable energy solutions across the continent.
“At the center of these innovations are what many call the Four Ds of the energy transition. These are decarbonization, decentralization, digitalization, and democratization,” noted Prof. Izael Da Silva, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University. According to him, these principles are not abstract goals. They are the living threads tying together solutions that are already changing lives in the community.
Winners of the wAtt-Boost – Youth Powered Start-up in Africa
Among the six remarkable finalists, two, Dosy Bikes from Egypt and LinQ Energy from Kenya, stood out as the overall winners. Co-founded by Nouran Farouk, Dosy Bikes is advancing e-mobility and challenging cultural stereotypes by training and encouraging women to ride scooters, making sustainable transport both accessible and inclusive.
LinQ Energy, founded by Charles Oyamo, a Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Transitions (MSc. SET) student at Strathmore University, is tackling one of Africa’s pressing business challenges, unreliable electricity. By developing plug-and-play solar-plus-battery systems for small businesses, LinQ is ensuring continuity, resilience, and growth for entrepreneurs.
Meet the Other 4
In Ghana, Agrio Solutions, founded by Dennis Nyarko, is equipping smallholder farmers with solar-powered irrigation pumps available on a pay-per-use model. According to Dennis, his innovation will improve food security, productivity, and empower the farmers.
For Zambia, where only 14% of rural communities are connected to electricity, Ecovolt Innovations, led by Mwala Mooto, has introduced IoT-enabled solar mini-grids. The results are profound. Agricultural yields are up by 60% and household incomes are growing by 45%.
In Tanzania, Gilsun Technologies, founded by Suzana Fred Munuo, is tackling household air pollution by turning agricultural waste into clean briquettes for cooking. This innovation reduces deforestation, protects families from harmful smoke, and creates a new market for green jobs.
Finally, Protone Energies of Uganda, represented by Ashaba Ahebwa Fionolla, is addressing one of solar’s most persistent challenges. The short lifespan of batteries. With 78% of Ugandans living off-grid and 92% of solar batteries failing within five years, Protone’s work could be game-changing for energy access.
From solar-powered farms to clean cooking briquettes, from empowering women on scooters to powering small businesses, these six ventures embody Africa’s future.
“The leadership of young people will shape the future of Africa and, ultimately, the world,” said Riccardo Toxiri, Advisor to the Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency. “Our role is to walk alongside them, offering mentorship, connecting them with international networks, and linking them to start-ups from other regions so they can share experiences and lessons learned.
On his part, Roberto Virgotti, Secretary General, RES4Africa Foundation, said the initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions, foundations, and young people come together for a common purpose.
While congratulating the six finalists for their ingenuity, Strathmore alumna and co-founder of Feion Green Ventures, Mercy Kyalo, urged them to place users at the heart of their solutions.
“You don’t build alone. Build with the user of your solution. Listen to them. Start with what you have, and remember, collaboration is key,” advised Mercy.
Her sentiments were echoed by Jean James, co-founder of Timao Group. “This is the time to take up the mantle in the innovation space. Hold on to your purpose and remember you cannot do this alone.”
These voices underscored a common truth that innovation is as much about networks, mentorship, and courage as it is about technology. Or, as Joy Doreen Biira, the Master of the Ceremony, put it, “We need innovations to power the world. We are harnessing the youth dividend.”
Indeed, driving Africa’s energy transition calls for every player, including academia, industry, government, and the private sector, to step up. The future will not be built in isolation, but through shared vision, collaboration, and action.
“As an institution of education, we are proud to play our part in imparting knowledge that enhances innovation,” said Prof. Izael. “We are not spectators but doers. We are actively supporting the future of Africa through knowledge transfer and innovation.”
The wAtt-Boost – Youth Powered Start-up in Africa programme was part of the inaugural East Africa Executive School, a programme designed to equip senior professionals with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to accelerate the region’s energy transition.
Article written by Stephen Wakhu.