Africa’s biofuel sector is rapidly evolving, driven by founders transforming agricultural and industrial waste into clean energy. These entrepreneurs are creating sustainable solutions that reduce carbon emissions, generate jobs, and expand access to affordable fuel across the continent.
Here are top 5 African entrepreneurs building biofuel solutions:
— Mahlatse Mamaila (South Africa): Founder of INO-Biodiesel: Mamaila converts waste cooking oil into biodiesel, tackling both energy needs and waste management challenges in South Africa.
— Kealeboga Tshikovhi (South Africa): Founder of Lamo Fuel: Tshikovhi produces biodiesel from used cooking oil, providing a clean alternative to fossil fuels while reducing carbon emissions.
— Richard Bennett (Zambia): Founder of Sunbird Bioenergy Africa: Bennett is developing a cassava-to-bioethanol biorefinery, producing large-scale bioethanol to reduce Zambia’s dependence on imported petroleum.
— Sanga Moses (Uganda): Founder of Eco-fuel Africa Ltd: Moses produces biochar briquettes from agricultural waste, supplying clean, affordable cooking fuel to households across Uganda.
— Femi Oye (Nigeria): Founder of Green Energy Biofuels: Oye converts agricultural residues into biofuels, delivering sustainable energy solutions to underserved Nigerian communities.
These founders demonstrate how innovation and entrepreneurial leadership can transform Africa’s energy landscape. Through their work, they are driving clean energy adoption, supporting local economies, and addressing environmental challenges.
This list includes founders actively developing biofuel projects with measurable impact. Entrepreneurs were selected based on leadership, project scale, innovation, and contribution to sustainable energy. Data was verified from company announcements, industry reports, and media features as of September 2025.
Image Credit: ThomasLloyd
