Reliable, clean, and affordable heating remains a critical challenge across many parts of Africa. Visionary entrepreneurs are introducing solar, biomass, and heat-efficient solutions that make water, space, and industrial heating more accessible while reducing reliance on polluting fuels.
Here are the top 5 African entrepreneurs transforming heating systems:
— Neill Human (South Africa): Founder of Reheat Africa, Human develops solar-PV-driven heating controllers for water, space, and food drying applications. His solutions reduce dependency on fossil fuels while supporting sustainable thermal energy adoption.
— Sandiswa Qayi (South Africa): Founder & Managing Director of AET Africa, Qayi created the Hotspot geyser sleeve, enhancing water-heater efficiency and lowering electricity use, making domestic hot water more accessible and affordable.
— André Nel (South Africa): Founder of Eco-V / Green Tower, Nel designs hybrid solar-thermal and heat-pump systems that deliver efficient hot water and heating solutions for residential and commercial applications.
— Norah Magero (Kenya): Co-founder & CEO of Drop Access, Magero develops off-grid, solar-powered thermal systems, including portable solutions for water heating and refrigeration, expanding energy access in underserved communities.
— Pheladi Chiloane & Ronald Netshiongolwe (South Africa): Co-founders of Sola4Africa, they create and distribute solar thermal water-heating systems for off-grid and urban households, providing sustainable, reliable, and cost-efficient heating solutions.
These entrepreneurs demonstrate how African innovation is shifting heating solutions from costly, polluting fuels to renewable, accessible, and efficient systems, improving energy security and quality of life.
The list focuses on African entrepreneurs whose primary work is in heating systems (solar thermal, biomass heat, or heat-efficient technologies). Criteria included measurable impact, active operations, innovation, and publicly verifiable activity as of Q3 2025.
Image Credit: Freepik
