As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Platform Africa caught up with young female founder Granny Lesiamang from Botswana, who shares her passion for addressing climate change, energy poverty and rural development, as some of the key challenges facing Africa.
Granny highlights the power of youth to drive meaningful change in tackling climate change and suggests that, for green entrepreneurship to flourish, there needs to be an enabling environment that supports green businesses through access to finance, mentorship and market opportunities.
Granny had the opportunity to present her business Clauseph Biofuels at the WTO-ITC High Level Event on Women in Trade on 25 February as a shining example of an innovative woman-led business making a difference in the community.
You had the opportunity to present Clauseph Biofuels at the WTO-ITC High Level Event on Women in Trade on 25 February. What inspired you to launch this company?
What inspired me to launch Clauseph Biofuels was a deep-rooted passion for addressing the pressing challenges of our time: climate change, energy poverty, and rural development. Growing up in Molapowabojang, a village in Botswana, I witnessed first-hand the impact of these issues on rural communities. My mother, a small stock farmer, was impacted by the droughts and dwindling grazing lands caused by bush encroachment. Additionally, having to prepare meals using firewood daily was an unpleasant way to cook and a health detriment for my mother and I.
These experiences, now coupled with my academic background in Engineering and Economics, drove me to start Clauseph Biofuels. I wanted to create sustainable solutions that would combat land degradation, provide clean cooking solutions, and empower rural communities. Taking this path of entrepreneurship and impact is of course what ultimately culminated in me getting the opportunity to present at the WTO-ITC High Level Event on Women in Trade.
What kind of solutions does Clauseph Biofuels provide and who are its target customers? What has been the company’s impact to date?
Clauseph Biofuels provides innovative solutions to two critical challenges: bush encroachment and energy poverty. Our innovation is in value-addition production by converting invasive bush into clean biomass fuel, offering affordable and sustainable cooking solutions to rural and suburban communities. Our target customers are primarily households and food vendors in these areas, and we are also looking to expand to public institutions like rural hospitals and schools.
Since our founding in August 2021, Clauseph Biofuels has had a significant impact. We have reached over 450 households, 100 street food vendors and 100 smallholder farmers, providing them with clean cooking technologies. I believe our work has been instrumental in creating economic opportunities, improving the health and well-being of these communities while combating climate change.
How would you describe your mission in relation to climate change?
My mission with Clauseph Biofuels is deeply intertwined with combating climate change. We are dedicated to addressing two key issues: bush encroachment and energy poverty. By converting invasive bush into clean biomass fuel, we are not only providing sustainable cooking solutions but also mitigating the impact of land degradation and reducing carbon emissions.
Our work directly contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases, helping to combat climate change at a local level. Additionally, by promoting the use of clean cooking technologies, we are improving indoor air quality and reducing health risks associated with traditional biomass cooking methods.
How do you see the potential contribution of youth in tackling climate change?
As a young female founder, I strongly believe in the power of youth to drive meaningful change in tackling climate change. Youth are the innovators, the disruptors, and the visionaries of our time. We bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a strong sense of urgency to address the pressing issues of our planet.
Youth-led initiatives, like our work at Clauseph Biofuels, are not only addressing the immediate challenges of climate change but are also inspiring future generations to take up the mantle of environmental stewardship.
You are an advocate for green entrepreneurship, what does this mean in practice and how can it be developed?
For me, being an advocate for green entrepreneurship means starting, promoting and supporting businesses that prioritise environmental sustainability and social impact. Practically this means developing and implementing innovative solutions that address environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities, similar to what we do at Clauseph Biofuels.
To develop green entrepreneurship further, there needs to be an enabling environment that supports green businesses through access to finance, mentorship and market opportunities. This can be done through partnership with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to create policies, programs and financing mechanisms that support green entrepreneurship and promote sustainable development.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what would be your advice to budding women entrepreneurs in Africa who have an idea which could make a real difference in the world?
My advice to budding women entrepreneurs in Africa is to believe in yourself and your ideas. Don’t be afraid to take risks and pursue your passion. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, advisors, and peers who can provide guidance and encouragement. Be resilient and persevere in the face of challenges. Use your unique perspective and experiences as a woman to drive innovation and create positive change. Remember, you have the power to make a real difference in the world, so don’t let anything hold you back. Embrace your journey as an entrepreneur and strive to make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond.
