LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Munyax Eco, a solar power business creating access to clean and affordable energy in East Africa
With a master’s degree in business and administration and 15 years of experience globetrotting, Francine Munyaneza skilfully managed operations in international private organizations and later in the humanitarian sector. Her accumulated expertise led her to return to Rwanda and establish Munyax Eco in 2013, an impact focused solar energy company. Through Munyax Eco’s endeavours, she has positively impacted nearly 1,000,000 beneficiaries, reduced carbon emissions by over 5,000 tons annually, and importantly created 30 permanent jobs and over 100 temporary jobs. Notably, the majority of Munyax Eco’s staff and beneficiaries are women.
Lioness Weekender spoke to the inspirational and impact focused Francine Munyaneza about her entrepreneurial journey as a green energy pioneer, and her ambitions for the future.
What does your company do?
Founded in 2013, Munyax Eco provides access to clean and affordable energy while promoting women and youth participation in Rwanda, Burundi and soon in DRC. The company designs, installs, and commissions several different solar systems: Solar water heater, solar Photovoltaic systems, solar cold chain (freezers & cold rooms) solar water pumping, solar mini grids, solar streetlights, solar home systems, and energy efficiency consultancy services.
What inspired you to start your company?
The idea of founding Munyax Eco is linked to my life story! I was born and raised partly in Europe, then later back to Rwanda in rural areas and growing up as a refugee in DRC, there was challenges to access electricity. Again 30 years later, globetrotting around the world (across Africa; Middle East and Asia) working in the humanitarian sector, I noticed the same energy access challenges; and that time I was also sensitive to all the climate change. Therefore, I decided to resign from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); took my savings and started my business venture that would provide access to Solar energy. That was the birth of Munyax Eco!
Why should anyone use your service or product?
The professionalism, the expertise, the quality of our product and services, the after sales services as well as payment facilities make our solutions competitive and affordable.
Tell us a little about your team:
Munyax Eco has a great team of professionals, diversified in gender; age; and culture with deep understanding of the Rwanda, DRC, and Burundi market context. The company's governance structure is an executive-level organizational structure that is responsible for managing our company's resources, setting goals and objectives, and ensuring that our company is achieving its desired results. We also have a board of directors that oversees company'' progress in a periodic time. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the highest executive in the company, and the strategic assistant to the CEO is responsible for providing support to the CEO. The Technical, Finance, Logistics, Human Resources, and Marketing departments has its own department head who is responsible for managing their respective teams. The department heads are responsible for leading their teams and achieving their goals. I am grateful to the Munyax Eco team, they are all ambitious team players, critical thinkers, quick learners, and Change makers. 60% of the team and of the board are women.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I got inspired and motivated along my life journey. After visiting many countries and getting to learn and experience uncountable energy access challenges I had this strong desire to do something that would help people to gain access to energy solutions. It is not always easy, the challenges are so many, but I manage through partnerships, applying for funds, and I am lucky to have some business advisors.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Munyax Eco is currently on the East African market level. In the next five years, my wish is to embark in other regions of Africa. We have an ambitious project of starting a manufacturing firm for Solar Water Heaters in 2024. This will reduce importation timeline and expenses (shipment and clearance cost, waiting time, other risks) to enhance the affordability and customisation of our products. Other projects include integration of high tech (already in process), and the opening of a gender sensitive training center for technical capacity building.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
It’s the impact! Contributing to the development of my continent, impacting the lives of others (several beneficiaries), learning, exchange of knowledge and creating employment.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The path of entrepreneurship is undoubtedly challenging and filled with obstacles. It requires confidence, self-belief, and a willingness to push through difficulties. However, it is not a solitary journey. Networking with peers, joining relevant associations and chambers of commerce, and actively engaging with stakeholders are crucial for exchanging ideas, seeking advice, and learning from others.
To find out more about Francine Munyaneza’s business building journey and her business, Munyax Eco, send her an email to: francine@munyaxeco.com or visit the company’s website and social media platforms:
Website: http://munyaxeco.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/MunyaxEco/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/munyaxeco_rw?lang=en
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/munyaxeco/
