Monique Ntumngia, a Cameroonian entrepreneur and climate advocate, is leading the charge for renewable energy and gender equity in Africa. Her work bridges the gap between environmental sustainability and women’s empowerment, creating lasting change for communities across the continent. As the founder and Executive Director of the Green Girls Organisation, Monique has pioneered solutions to provide sustainable energy to rural areas.
This pan-African social enterprise uses artificial intelligence to assess communities’ energy needs. The data collected enables her team to implement tailored solutions, including solar and biogas installations. Since its founding in 2015, Green Girls has powered over 3,500 households in Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic. The organisation also trains women in eco-entrepreneurial skills, equipping them with the tools to drive change within their communities.
Monique is also the founder of Monafrik Energy; a company focused on measuring the environmental impact of energy consumption across supply chains. By collecting and analysing data, Monafrik Energy promotes sustainable practices and encourages businesses to adopt greener solutions. Through her work, she advocates for environmentally conscious practices that are crucial for Africa’s development.
In 2014, as a programme manager for a Pan-African NGO, Monique’s commitment to affordable, sustainable energy became more prominent. While working in rural areas, Monique witnessed the profound impact of limited access to electricity, particularly on women and girls. That motivated her to combine her legal background with her passion for environmental protection, creating platforms that foster long-term, sustainable change.
Green Girls Organisation is not just about providing renewable energy systems. It also runs eco-educational clubs where young women are taught about sustainability and trained to become environmental advocates. Through these initiatives, nearly 800 women from 23 communities have gained the skills needed for financial independence and leadership. These women now champion sustainability, empower their peers to adopt green energy solutions, and promote economic freedom.
Monique’s work has earned her global recognition. In 2019, she became the first African woman to receive the WWF International President’s Youth Award for contributing to environmental conservation and women’s leadership. That further reinforced her influence in the renewable energy sector and highlighted her significant role in promoting women’s leadership in Africa.
Despite facing challenges, such as limited funding and a lack of technical expertise within her team, Monique remains steadfast in her mission. Operating in a male-dominated industry, she has worked tirelessly to overcome barriers and champion women-led initiatives in clean energy. She continues to break new ground by advancing women-led projects that empower communities through sustainable energy.
Building on this success, Monique Ntumngia is now focused on expanding the Green Girls Organisation to reach more women across Africa. By equipping them with renewable energy skills and promoting entrepreneurship, she is helping to create a generation of women who can lead sustainable change in their communities. Through her work, the social entrepreneur addresses Africa’s energy challenges while empowering women to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for the continent.
