In this next piece, we dive into a conversation with our 2022 Top 10 Hero, Francine Munyaneza, as she shares her journey of founding Munyax Eco and the challenges of building a renewable energy business in Africa. She reflects on her experience as a leader in the solar industry, and the impact of Munyax Eco on sustainable energy adoption. Munyax Eco is a social enterprise that provides affordable and eco-friendly solar energy solutions in East Africa. Francine, born in Rwanda, founded the company in 2013 to address the growing need for reliable and sustainable energy access across the region.

1. What inspired the creation of Munyax Eco? Was there a particular gap or challenge in the energy sector that you were determined to address?
   I swapped continents at seven, trading Europe for Rwanda. Three years later, we were refugees in the DRC, living off-grid before it was cool (we just didn't have electricity).
   
   Fast forward thirty years, I was globetrotting for the Red Cross, and guess what? People still lacked energy, and the escalating effects of climate change were undeniable. Witnessing this reality fueled my passion to make a difference.
   
   So, I ditched the cushy job, cashed in my savings, and became a solar energy entrepreneur. Turns out, being a pioneer in Rwanda's solar industry wasn't just good for the planet, it was good for business!
   
   Before my Munyax Eco days, I zigzagged from corporate offices to the development and humanitarian sector, collecting international and multicultural exposure, management and leadership skills along the way.
2. Tell us more about Munyax Eco’s mission and the impact you have achieved so far. How do you gauge success, and what are some standout milestones?
   Munyax Eco: Powering Africa's Future, One Woman, One Home, One Smile at a Time
   
   Our Mission:
   We're not just about energy; we're about empowerment! Munyax Eco is lighting up Africa with clean, affordable, and smart energy solutions, all while making sure women and youth have a front-row seat to the action. Milestones That Sparks:

   1. Burundi Bound: In 2024, we spread our solar-powered wings and landed in Burundi - hello, new friends! Expanding our reach means bringing clean energy to even more communities, and we couldn’t be more excited.
   2. ABH Finalists: Back in 2022, we made it to the finals of the ABH competition - what an electrifying moment! Seeing our work recognized on an international stage was both humbling and exhilarating. It’s proof that passion, dedication, and a whole lot of solar power can take you places!
   3. Impact on SDGs: We’re not just about solar panels - we’re about people and the planet. Through our work, we’ve empowered women and youth, making waves in a traditionally male-dominated industry. With over 100 young talents (men and women) trained and promoted, we’re building the next generation of renewable energy leaders. Our impact? Saving 7,000 tons of CO2 yearly, creating over 200 direct and indirect job opportunities, and proving that sustainability and social progress go hand in hand. Now that’s what we call a bright future!
3. The energy sector has historically been male-dominated, yet you are actively working to bring more women into your organization. Why is this important to you personally, and how does it benefit the sector as a whole?
   Promoting gender equality isn’t just a social imperative; it’s smart business. Women bring diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. Personally, I believe in the power of inclusion and empowering women to break barriers. By bringing more women into the energy sector, we are not only challenging stereotypes but also enhancing our industry’s effectiveness and innovation.
4. You emphasize hiring women in technical roles like solar engineering. What has been your experience in recruiting and supporting women in these positions? Have you encountered challenges, and how have you addressed them?
   Recruiting women in technical roles has been like climbing a solar panel-covered mountain - challenging at first, but incredibly rewarding once you reach the top. Many women hesitate to step into these fields due to societal norms and the lack of role models. So, we decided to take matters into our own hands - we practice positive discrimination (yes, unapologetically!) and make sure women get a seat at the solar-powered table.
   
   We partner with schools, universities, and organizations to make sure girls see technical fields as a natural career path - not some exclusive boys’ club.Gender lens Internships and apprenticeships are our secret “tools”, opening doors for young women to gain hands-on experience. And once they join Munyax Eco, we don’t just hand them a hard hat and wish them luck - we provide solid training, mentorship, and an encouraging work environment where they can shine. The result? Women thriving in solar engineering and proving every day that they belong in this space just as much as anyone else!
5. Could you outline the range of solar energy solutions Munyax Eco offers? What kinds of clients do you typically serve, and how do you tailor your offerings to meet diverse needs?
   

   Image: Site installation of Munyax Eco solar products.

   
   At Munyax Eco, we like to think of ourselves as the ultimate one-stop shop for all things solar. Whether you need to heat your water, light up your home, or power up an entire business, we’ve got you covered! Our offerings include solar water heaters, solar home systems, solar water pumps, solar lighting, and large-scale solar installations for residential, commercial, and institutional clients. Basically, if it can soak up the sun and generate power, we’re probably experts in it.
   
   Our clients range from rural households looking for a reliable energy source to urban enterprises eager to cut electricity costs, and even government or non government institutions focused on sustainability. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions, so we take the time to assess each client’s specific needs, budget, and energy requirements. That way, we can tailor a solar system that fits like a glove - efficient, affordable, and built to last. After all, the sun isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so why not make the most of it?
6. Can you provide examples of specific projects Munyax Eco has implemented? How did these projects address the needs of the communities or clients involved?
   At Munyax Eco, we’ve had the privilege of working on some truly inspiring projects - each one a testament to the power of the sun and human ingenuity. Here are just a few of our shining moments:
   
   Solar Energy for Health Facilities: Imagine a maternity ward with no hot water or a clinic struggling with unreliable electricity - sounds tough, right? That’s why we stepped in to install solar water heaters, ensuring warm water for maternity wards, and solar-powered electricity for cold storage, lighting, water pumping, and essential medical equipment. Because saving lives shouldn’t depend on whether the power’s out!
   
   Solar Energy for Schools: Education is the key to the future, but let’s be honest - studying in the dark or without access to the internet isn’t exactly the best way to inspire young minds. Thanks to our solar solutions, students now have reliable lighting, access to laptops and the internet, and even solar-powered water pumps for clean drinking water. The result? A gateway to new knowledge, opportunities, and, let’s be real, fewer excuses for not doing homework!
   
   Solar Energy for Fish Farming: Who knew that solar power could help fish thrive? With our solar water heaters, fish farms can now maintain the perfect water temperature, ensuring healthier, happier fish (and, ultimately, a better yield for farmers). Sustainable seafood, courtesy of the sun!
7. Energy projects often require significant upfront investments, which can be a barrier for many clients. How does Munyax Eco ensure that underserved or lower-income communities can access your services?
   innovative payment facilities - because everyone deserves access to clean energy, not just those with deep pockets! By offering flexible payment plans, we help spread the costs over time, making solar solutions affordable even for low-income households.
   
   But we didn’t stop there. We’ve teamed up with microfinance institutions and other financing partners to ensure that when funds are tight, support is just around the corner. Whether it's a payment by installment system or tailored financing options, we make sure no one is left in the dark - literally!
8. Solar technology is rapidly evolving, and costs are becoming more competitive. How do you navigate this reality when entering long-term contracts with clients?
   At Munyax Eco, we don’t just keep up with market trends - we stay ahead of them! Our secret? A relentless focus on cutting-edge technology and a keen eye on industry shifts. We’re always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in solar advancements, making sure our clients get top-tier solutions that stand the test of time.
   
   When it comes to long-term contracts, we believe flexibility is key. That’s why we build upgrade options and maintenance packages, so our clients can enjoy the perks of new technology without the headache of additional costs. Because staying powered up should be exciting, not expensive!
9. Beyond hiring, what programs or initiatives does Munyax Eco have to support the long-term career growth of women in your organization?
   At Munyax Eco, we’re not just lighting up homes - we’re lighting up careers too! We’ve built strong mentorship programs and leadership training specifically for women who want to make waves in the renewable energy sector.
   
   Inside our company, we don’t just offer jobs; we create clear career growth paths, encouraging women to step up and take leadership roles. Our goal? To build a powerhouse of skilled female professionals who will not only shape the future of renewable energy but also prove that the sun isn’t the only thing that shines in this industry!
   
   

   Image: Munyax Eco Team
10. As the CEO of Munyax Eco, what are the challenges that keep you up at night? How do you stay focused on your vision amidst these pressures?
    Running Munyax Eco comes with its fair share of challenges - securing funding for expansion and making solar energy affordable for everyone isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Balancing growth while maintaining top quality and accessibility? That’s the ultimate juggling act!
    
    But here’s the thing - I don’t do it alone. I lean on an incredible team, crystal-clear goals, and an unshakable belief in our mission. And whenever the road gets tough, I just think about the real impact we’re making - a child studying under a solar-powered light, a business thriving thanks to clean energy. Those moments? They remind me exactly why we do what we do, and that’s what keeps us going!

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