William Kamkwamba

William Kamkwamba was born in 1987 in Malawi.

Growing up on a farm, he attended primary school but had to drop out of secondary school due to famine and lack of funds.

Undeterred, he educated himself using books from a local library.

At 14, he built a windmill from scrap materials to power his family's home, inspired by an American textbook.

This achievement led to further projects in his village, including clean water and solar power systems.

In 2008, Kamkwamba began studying at the African Leadership Academy in South Africa.

He co-authored his autobiography, which was published in 2009, detailing his journey from poverty to innovation and hope.