600 million Africans without electricity: This company has a wind-powered solution
Johannes Amo Aye remembers the nights when darkness seemed to stretch endlessly. Growing up in Ghana, he felt the impact of energy poverty firsthand. Now, as co-founder of Minagie Energy, he’s committed to changing that reality for millions.
Minagie Energy is addressing a critical issue: At present, 600 million people, or 43% of the total population, lack access to electricity, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa.
This gap has had repercussions for health and education. Johannes, alongside a co-founder with a public health background, recognised that unreliable electricity could severely affect clinics and hospitals, particularly for maternal and infant care.
"We focus on providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions using our wind turbine technology or other clean energy solutions," Johannes told Global South World in an interview.
The wind turbines aim to lower costs and support local economies. "Our systems are built cheaper because we use 95% local raw materials in the manufacturing and production of our wind turbines, making it sustainable," he explained.
With over ten years in finance, Amo-Aye has worked with Standard Chartered Bank, Fidelity, and other financial institutions in Ghana. He left that sector to provide solutions in the energy industry.
"For us, it’s about addressing the negative impact of poverty on the health sector, the Agric sector, and education. That is the motivation behind starting Minagie Energy," Johannes said.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports that finding a sustainable way to meet growing energy needs is one of the core development challenges for the continent. Africa is however rich in renewable energy sources, such as hydro, sun, wind and others. IRENA suggests now is the right time for sound planning to ensure the right energy mix.
"Our solution offers reduced maintenance costs and downtime, making our system less prone to wear and tear. It is also more energy-efficient than solar and generator systems on the market today," Johannes explained. "Parts of our systems are 3D printed, reducing production times. It's basically two wind turbines in one, so when it comes to energy efficiency, our system stands out."
As they prepare for their pilot, Johannes envisions a future where rural communities have access to reliable power, improving health and education outcomes. 'So with our mission to actually address energy poverty, we're going to make a difference in the lives of all of these people, to bring light to every village, every child."
As Minagie Energy moves forward, Aye is focused on one goal: bringing light to communities that have long been in the dark. This project isn’t just about business for him; it’s about creating a brighter future for those who need it most.
"In five years, I see that we could have facilities running purely on renewable energy, and with Minagie Energy, that is very possible," Johannes remarks.
Watch the full interview here:
