Startup Story
Margaret Yainkain Mansaray is a trailblazing entrepreneur and visionary leader dedicated to revolutionizing the energy landscape in Sierra Leone and beyond. As the Founder and CEO of Women in Energy Sierra Leone Limited, Margaret's journey has been defined by her unwavering commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and innovative solutions. Born and raised in Sierra Leone, Margaret witnessed firsthand the energy challenges faced by her community. This ignited a passion within her to effect meaningful change. Armed with a background in energy engineering, she embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between traditional energy practices and modern, environmentally conscious solutions. Margaret's brainchild, the Smart Green Stove, stands as a testament to her ingenuity. This groundbreaking innovation not only reduces emissions and fuel consumption but also empowers marginalized communities, particularly women, by providing them with a sustainable and efficient cooking solution.
Beyond her technical prowess, Margaret is a champion of gender equality and inclusivity in the energy sector. Her leadership at Women in Energy Sierra Leone Limited is characterized by a commitment to uplifting women and creating opportunities for their advancement in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Margaret's achievements have garnered recognition on both national and international stages, including her selection as the only female finalist for the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation in 2023. Her journey exemplifies the power of determination, innovation, and a resolute belief in the potential for positive change.
As a beacon of hope and progress, Margaret Yainkain Mansaray's legacy extends far beyond her individual accomplishments. She serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, and leaves an indelible mark on the global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. Through her visionary leadership, Margaret is propelling Sierra Leone towards a brighter, more inclusive, and environmentally conscious future.
LoA spoke to the pioneering Margaret Yainkain Mansaray about her work and her drive to find more sustainable energy solutions for marginalized communities, and particularly women.
“My journey into entrepreneurship was motivated by a genuine desire to effect positive change in the lives of women and girls, and to contribute to sustainable and inclusive energy solutions.”
What does your company do?
Women in Energy Sierra Leone Ltd., led by myself as Founder and CEO, is dedicated to revolutionizing energy access in Sierra Leone. The organization focuses on innovative technologies, notably the Smart Green Stove, to tackle energy challenges faced by inadequate access to clean and affordable clean cooking solutions, especially in marginalized areas. This groundbreaking cooking solution reduces emissions and empowers communities, particularly women, with a sustainable cooking option. By utilizing agricultural waste for charcoal briquettes, the stove minimizes environmental impact while maximizing socio-economic benefits. Moreover, the organization actively promotes gender equality in the energy sector, creating opportunities and empowering women in leadership roles. Through mentorship, skill-building, and advocacy, they drive positive change. Women in Energy Sierra Leone Ltd. exemplifies how technology-driven solutions can address global challenges while fostering economic empowerment and well-being in communities.
What inspired you to start your company?
In 2019, as a student at Njala University in Sierra Leone, I embarked on a life-changing journey. While studying BSc Energy Studies at Njala University Makonde, I witnessed the hardships faced by women and girls, especially in cooking. They had to gather firewood from the forest surrounding the university for their traditional stoves, leading to deforestation, and exposing them to risks like sexual violence and encounters with wildlife.
Moreover, this arduous task consumed a significant amount of their time, leaving them with limited opportunities for other income-generating activities. Recognizing the urgency of addressing these challenges and armed with youth and determination, I decided to develop an improved cookstove. I entered the National Youth Innovation Award competition held in 2019 by UNDP Sierra Leone in Kenema District, where I emerged as the female runner-up, receiving recognition for my innovative solution.
Inspired by this achievement, it became evident that there was a need to establish something unique and innovative. After conducting extensive research and creating multiple prototypes, and supported by family and friends, I officially incorporated Women in Energy Sierra Leone Limited on June 15, 2020, a social enterprise that seeks to develop professional expertise among young energy professionals who are pioneers of change in their local communities, with a commitment to promote and achieve universal energy access to marginalized communities and last mile areas.
“Ultimately, our goal is to leave a lasting legacy of empowerment, sustainability, and progress in the communities we serve.”
Why should anyone use your service or product?
The brilliance of our Smart Green Stove and Briquette lies in their profound impact on both the environment and the community. By ingeniously utilizing agricultural waste to produce charcoal briquettes, we're reducing deforestation while providing an efficient, cost-effective cooking solution. The Smart Green Stove's innovative heat control mechanism ensures optimal fuel consumption, making it a game-changer for households and the environment. This technology-driven approach distinguishes us, as we're not just providing products; we're delivering sustainable, tangible solutions to long-standing energy challenges.
Tell us a little about your team:
Women in Energy Sierra Leone Limited boasts a diverse and dynamic team, united by a shared passion for sustainable energy solutions. Our professionals bring a wealth of expertise in areas like renewable energy technologies, project management, and community engagement. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by women in the energy sector, our team is committed to driving inclusive and empowering solutions.
Margaret Yainkain Mansaray, CEO, leads the way with extensive experience in the energy sector and a track record of impactful initiatives. Assisting her is Paul Alfred Kamara, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, together with a group of dedicated professionals, including an energy practitioner, a production officer, marketing and sales officers, a producer, and support officers. This multidisciplinary team ensures that our projects are not only technologically sound but also culturally sensitive and community driven. The business has created jobs for 16 people.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
As earlier stated in 2019, as a student at Njala University in Sierra Leone I embarked on a life-changing journey. While pursuing a BSc in Energy Studies at Njala University Makonde, I bore witness to the immense hardships faced by women and girls, particularly in the realm of cooking. They were compelled to venture into the forest surrounding the university to gather firewood for their traditional stoves. This not only contributed to deforestation but also exposed them to grave risks like sexual violence and encounters with wildlife. This grueling task consumed a significant portion of their time, leaving them with limited opportunities for other income-generating activities. It was this stark reality that ignited the spark for the Smart Green Stove and later, the Smart Green Briquette.
Regarding an entrepreneurial background, I did not hail from one. My journey into entrepreneurship was motivated by a genuine desire to effect positive change in the lives of these women and girls, and to contribute to sustainable and inclusive energy solutions. My experience at Njala University served as a catalyst for this transformative endeavor, and since then, I've been unwavering in my commitment to creating impactful solutions for my community and beyond.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My vision for Women in Energy Sierra Leone Limited is ambitious yet firmly rooted in sustainable impact. In the near future, we aim to expand our reach and impact, not only within Sierra Leone but also across the West African region. We envision establishing partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations to scale up our projects and make a broader societal impact.
Furthermore, we are actively working towards incorporating more innovative technologies into our solutions. This includes exploring advancements in materials, energy storage, and distribution to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of our products.
Long-term, we aspire to be recognized as a leading force in the renewable energy sector, particularly in promoting clean cooking solutions. This involves setting up production hubs, expanding our workforce, and providing training and capacity-building for local communities. Additionally, we aim to venture into related areas like sustainable agriculture and water purification, creating a holistic approach to addressing energy and environmental challenges.
Ultimately, our goal is to leave a lasting legacy of empowerment, sustainability, and progress in the communities we serve. We aim to be a beacon of hope for women and marginalized groups, demonstrating that through innovation and determination, positive change is not only possible but sustainable.
“We aim to be a beacon of hope for women and marginalized groups, demonstrating that through innovation and determination, positive change is not only possible but sustainable.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The most satisfying aspect of being an entrepreneur is witnessing the tangible impact of our work on the lives of individuals and communities. Seeing how our innovations, like the Smart Green Stove and Briquette, transform everyday experiences for women and girls, freeing up their time, improving their safety, and reducing their environmental footprint, is incredibly fulfilling.
Moreover, knowing that our initiatives contribute to broader societal goals, such as sustainable development, gender equality, and environmental conservation, brings a deep sense of purpose to our work. It's incredibly gratifying to know that we're not just running a business, but we're actively contributing to positive change in the world.
Being an entrepreneur also allows for a high degree of creativity and autonomy. We have the freedom to shape our own path, explore new ideas, and pioneer innovative solutions to pressing problems. This constant sense of innovation and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference is what keeps me motivated and excited every day.
Ultimately, the journey of entrepreneurship is marked by challenges, but the moments of impact, both big and small, are what make it an incredibly rewarding and worthwhile endeavor.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The biggest piece of advice I can offer to aspiring women entrepreneurs is to believe in yourself and your vision. Have confidence in your abilities and trust that you have what it takes to make a difference. Embrace your unique perspective and skills, as they are valuable assets in the business world.
Additionally, surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and advisors. Seek out individuals who can offer guidance, share their experiences, and provide valuable insights. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it, and be open to learning from others.
Stay resilient in the face of challenges. Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs, but it's the ability to bounce back and adapt that sets successful entrepreneurs apart. Use setbacks as learning opportunities and keep pushing forward.
Finally, never underestimate the power of collaboration. Building strong partnerships and alliances can open doors to new opportunities and resources. Working together with like-minded individuals and organizations can amplify your impact and lead to greater success.
Remember, you have a unique perspective, and the world needs more women entrepreneurs like you. Believe in your potential and take that first step towards making your vision a reality.
To find out more, send an email to: Womeninenergysl2020@gmail.com or visit the company’s website and social media platforms:
Website: http://www.womeninenergysl.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wieslltd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/wieslltd
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/wieslltd
YouTube or Vimeo Video: https://www.youtube.com/@WIESLLTD
Why LoA loves it…
At Lionesses of Africa we are firm believers that those closest to the problem are also closest to the solution. Margaret Yainkain Mansaray’s story reaffirms this belief. She saw at first-hand the challenges for women and girls to tackle practical daily energy challenges in their local communities, faced by inadequate access to clean and affordable clean cooking solutions. Her determination to help these women in their daily lives, and to realize their life potential by freeing them from the daily grind of finding affordable energy solutions, is a real game-changer. Inspirational! — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa