My Speech at The United Nations General Assembly; Building Africa's Clean Tech Innovators

In September, I had the honor of delivering a speech at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during the Science Summit on Strategies for Women to Thrive in Clean Energy Businesses.

In my speech, I shared insights on building Africa’s leading CleanTech training institute, empowering women innovators, and fostering a workforce ready to drive the energy transition - The Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI) . I also highlighted actionable strategies for scaling renewable energy education and creating supportive policies for women entrepreneurs.

This article captures the essence of that speech, offering a roadmap for overcoming challenges, scaling impact, and empowering the next generation of women clean tech innovators.

Overcoming Challenges

Question:?What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in establishing RETTI, and how have you addressed them?

Response: One of the biggest challenges I faced in founding the Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI) was the lack of similar organizations or mentors to learn from. At the time, while some women were in the broader energy sector, none were focused on renewable energy workforce development. Additionally, funding for this kind of training was scarce; workforce development in renewable energy wasn’t yet seen as a priority, and there weren’t as many opportunities as there are now.

To overcome these challenges, I relied heavily on resourcefulness. I collaborated with a like-minded partner and used profits from my first program engagement and book sales to fund our initial essentials—like purchasing our first solar panel and a whiteboard for training sessions. These small but essential investments helped lay the foundation for RETTI’s growth and impact. Building RETTI has been a journey of determination, collaboration, and reinvestment, and these core values continue to drive us today.

2. Impact of Training Programs

Question:?How has RETTI’s training program impacted the career trajectories of women in CleanTech, particularly in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship? Can you share some success stories?

Response: RETTI’s training programs have significantly impacted women’s trajectories in CleanTech by building confidence, fostering technical skills, and creating a supportive learning environment. Women tend to thrive when their needs are considered and their skills acknowledged. Our program is designed to offer technical knowledge, mentorship, and hands-on experience, allowing women to recognize their potential.

Having a female-led organization like RETTI has been particularly inspiring for our participants—sometimes women need to see another woman leading the way. This visibility has drawn talented women to our programs, and we've seen them excel. One of our proudest success stories is Winifred Chime, who led a team comprising two other women and one man, to create their own solar engineering company, Malmek Engineering. Another graduate, Jane Madubuike, was promoted to a site installer in her company soon after her training with us.

The testimonials from our trained students abound and currently, #RETTI is the only clean energy training institute with the largest number of five star google TESTIMONIALS.

3. Future Trends

Question:?What emerging trends do you see in renewable energy education that could further support women in CleanTech?

Response: Emerging trends in renewable energy education offer promising support for women in CleanTech. Online learning platforms and virtual labs have expanded access to quality training, allowing women from diverse backgrounds to gain practical skills in solar PV engineering, energy storage, and more. For women in remote or underserved areas, these advancements are especially valuable, bridging the gap in accessibility.

Another powerful trend is the hybrid approach, combining CleanTech education with entrepreneurial training. This blend of technical skills and business knowledge equips women not only to work in the field but to lead within it. As these trends take hold, RETTI is well-positioned to continue fostering an environment where women can participate in CleanTech and excel as innovators and leaders.

4. Scaling Impact

Question:?How can other organizations replicate the successful aspects of RETTI to scale up renewable energy education in different regions, particularly for women?

Response: To replicate RETTI’s success and scale renewable energy education across regions, it’s essential for organizations to prioritize accessibility, community engagement, and gender-focused support. One key approach is to collaborate with local partners to better understand and address community-specific needs. This enables programs to be culturally relevant, resonating more effectively with participants.

Establishing a strong mentorship component is also crucial. By having women instructors and role models, other organizations can create an empowering environment where female students see firsthand the possibilities within CleanTech. We’ve seen how vital it is for women to see leaders who reflect their own identities and experiences—this builds both trust and motivation. Lastly, organizations should consider integrating both technical and entrepreneurial training, which allows participants to consider not just working within the industry but leading and innovating within it.

Common Question to All Panelists: Policy Recommendations

Question:?What policies or support systems do you believe are crucial for enhancing women’s potential as innovators and entrepreneurs?

Response: For women to truly thrive as innovators and entrepreneurs, policies must address both systemic barriers and practical needs. We need targeted funding for CleanTech programs that support women-led startups and workforce development initiatives. Establishing government grants or low-interest loans specifically for women in renewable energy would help bridge the financial gap that many women entrepreneurs face.

Additionally, fostering early STEM education programs for girls and women is essential. Policies that promote STEM education for young girls can help cultivate interest in CleanTech from an early age, ensuring that the next generation of women innovators is well-prepared. Supportive policies should also address structural challenges, like balancing work and family life, by offering flexible schedules, childcare support, or other incentives. This combination of financial support, education, and structural accommodation can unlock women’s potential and enable them to lead within the sector.

General Advice for Women Innovators and Entrepreneurs

Question:?What advice can you give other women innovators and entrepreneurs that could help them succeed?

Response: My advice for women innovators and entrepreneurs is to prioritize building relationships, choose impact over impressiveness, and find strength in a supportive network. While it’s crucial to have a clear vision and begin even before everything is perfect, one of the greatest assets you can cultivate along the way is a strong network. Relationships can open doors, offer new insights, and provide the support needed to overcome challenges. Many of my own breakthroughs have come from connections that offered unexpected collaborations, guidance, or resources.

In particular, find your own circle of women supporters who understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being a woman in this space. Surrounding yourself with like-minded women not only provides encouragement but also fosters an environment where ideas are shared and celebrated. Having this circle can be invaluable for both personal and professional growth, as it allows you to learn from each other’s experiences and support one another’s journeys.

Choose to focus on impact over impressiveness; prioritize meaningful work that truly serves a need. Start with what you have, and utilize the platforms available to you. Sometimes the resources you need will emerge after you’ve taken the first steps. For me, selling my books allowed me to purchase our first training equipment—small beginnings that validated the concept and set the foundation for growth.

Remember, every connection matters and a strong support system can be just as essential as funding or technical expertise. When you build relationships and find a circle of supporters, you’re not just creating a network; you’re building a foundation that sustains and amplifies your impact.