Simbarashe Mhuriro

At 33 years old, Simbarashe is the Founder and Managing Director of Oxygen Africa, a Zimbabwean renewable energy development company focused on commercial and industrial rooftop solar photovoltaic projects. As one of Africa’s most prominent young up-and-coming entrepreneurs, he has first-hand knowledge of the challenges that face entrepreneurs on the continent, including social entrepreneurs. He has dedicated his career to powering Africa through new green technologies, with the emphasis on the creation and implementation of African solutions by Africans. In 2019, Simba became a member of the Shared Value Africa Initiative Africa Council of 8.

Oxygen has received support from the Ministry of Energy & Power Development, National Project Status from The Ministry of Finance & Economic Development and a Climate Action Endorsement from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate for driving and championing the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Climate Action (13), Affordable & Clean Energy (7), Decent Work & Economic Growth, Sustainable Cities & Communities (11) and Responsible Consumption & Production (12).

In 2016 and 2018, Simba was named one of Africa’s 30 most promising young entrepreneurs by Forbes Magazine. He has also been recognised by the Africa Youth Awards as one of 100 most Influential Young Africans of the year. Afk Insider magazine named him among 12 Most Promising African Entrepreneurs of 2016 and in 2017 Africa.com named him among 40 Africans Under 40 – Making It in Africa. Most Influential People of African Descent under 40 (MIPAD 100), a global civil society initiative whose efforts are in recognition of the UN-backed International Decade for People of African Descent, named Simba among its 2017 honourees for business and entrepreneurship inside Africa. Medium listed Simba among 100 inspiring game changers hacking entrepreneurship and growth in its 100 Must-Follow Black Entrepreneurs, Influencers & Speakers list of 2017.