Africa’s waste-to-energy sector is rapidly growing, driven by entrepreneurs transforming waste into valuable energy sources.
These founders address waste management challenges while contributing to sustainable energy solutions across the continent.
— Samuel Alemayehu (Ethiopia): Co-founder of Cambridge Industries, Alemayehu oversaw the construction of Africa’s first waste-to-energy plant in Addis Ababa, converting municipal waste into electricity and reducing landfill use.
— Prince Essel (Ghana): Co-founder of Econexus Ventures, Essel produces clean-burning bioethanol from organic waste and provides efficient cooking stoves, replacing harmful traditional fuels in Ghanaian households.
— Mwayi Mwaya (Malawi): Founder of Planet Green Africa, Mwaya produces eco-friendly cooking briquettes from recycled agricultural waste, empowering women farmers and promoting sustainable energy use in Malawi.
— Jean-Marie Takouleu (Cameroon): Founder of Africa Waste to Energy Limited, Takouleu converts organic waste into electricity and biogas, providing clean power solutions to businesses and communities.
— Delphin Kaze (Burundi): Founder of Kaze Green Economy, Kaze manufactures wood and charcoal substitutes from biodegradable waste, providing affordable cooking fuel and reducing deforestation in Burundi.
These entrepreneurs demonstrate how innovation and visionary leadership can transform waste into valuable energy resources, driving sustainable development and economic growth across Africa.
The entrepreneurs included are founders actively developing waste-to-energy solutions with measurable impact. Selection considered project scale, leadership, innovation, and contribution to sustainable energy.
Information was verified from company announcements, industry reports, and credible media sources as of September 2025.
Image Credit: Startup Tips Daily
