Meet the impressive Kenyan woman named the top female tech innovator in Africa

Kenyan entrepreneur, Charity Wanjiku has emerged as the top female tech innovator in Africa.

Ms Wanjiku was crowned one of the winners in the technology innovators and entrepreneurs awards, 2017 during the just concluded World Economic Forum (WEF).

Ms Wanjiku, the co-founded of Strauss Energy Ltd was recognised among six African women entrepreneurs for creating opportunities and preparing the continent for the fourth industrial revolution using technology.

“We celebrate the winners as role models who can help governments and policymakers create conditions for others to flourish,” said the Head of Africa at WEF, Elsie Kanza.

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The six winners were honoured last Friday in Durban, South Africa, during the official closure of the WEF Forum under the theme “Achieving Inclusive Growth”.

In 2007, Ms Wanjiku teamed up with her brother, Tony Nyagah, and created a solar power more affordable and accessible to thousands of poor Kenyans living below $2 (Sh206) a day.

Strauss Energy Ltd, develops energy-producing solar cells that can be integrated into walls, windows and roofs during construction.

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Unlike other products, Strauss energy system is not only energy efficient but economically rewarding as well, it comes with special meters that can feed unused electricity units back to the national grid, generating income for households.

This is the second annual event that recognises African women leveraging on technology in their ventures.

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Kanza stated that the forum provides insight from experts on how Africa will be affected by the onset of digital revolution, particularly in terms of safeguarding the region’s economies from negative disruption and exploiting opportunities for further growth and development.