In honor of Women’s Day, we are celebrating trailblazing female entrepreneurs who are transforming industries and making a lasting impact in their communities. Today, we shine a spotlight on Joyce Sikwese, the Malawi Country Manager of Green Impact Technologies.
Joyce is a visionary leader and advocate for clean energy access in Malawi. With expertise in strategy, market research, and partnerships, she has expanded affordable energy solutions for underserved communities. Her leadership secured key financing, including SIMA’s Energy Access Relief Fund, helping Green Impact Technologies scale post-pandemic. Recognized in global forums, she champions sustainable business models that drive social and environmental change.
Q&A with Joyce Sikwese
What is one pivotal moment in your entrepreneurial journey that changed the trajectory of your business?
Joyce: “One pivotal moment was when Green Impact Technologies secured debt financing from SIMA under the Energy Access Relief Fund. This funding came at a critical time after the COVID-19 pandemic, when businesses were struggling with operational costs. The financial support enabled us to stabilize operations, continue serving our customers, and explore new opportunities to expand access to clean energy solutions. It reinforced my belief that strategic financial partnerships can be game-changers in scaling impact-driven businesses.”
How do you see your business contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future?
Joyce: “At Green Impact Technologies, our mission is to provide affordable, clean energy solutions that enhance livelihoods, especially in underserved communities. We distribute solar-powered refrigeration, water pumps, and solar home systems to households, small businesses, and institutions, helping bridge the energy access gap. Our business model prioritizes inclusivity by working with local women entrepreneurs, offering flexible payment plans, and promoting sustainable energy alternatives that reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By empowering women and small businesses through clean energy, we contribute to economic growth, gender equity, and environmental sustainability.”
If you could give one piece of advice to female entrepreneurs seeking investment, what would it be?
Joyce: “My advice is to be bold and persistent. The investment journey is not for the faint-hearted, and it is not always easy—especially for women-led businesses. However, having a clear vision, strong business fundamentals, and a well-articulated impact story can set you apart. Build strong relationships with investors who align with your mission, and don’t be afraid to negotiate terms that work for your business. Most importantly, stay resilient—setbacks are part of the journey, but they also bring valuable lessons.”
What were the biggest challenges you faced before securing SIMA’s investment, and how did they impact your business growth?
Joyce: “Before SIMA’s investment, one of our biggest challenges was managing cash flow to sustain operations post-pandemic. Disruptions in global supply chains, increased costs, and reduced purchasing power among our customers created financial strain. Limited working capital made it difficult to scale our distribution efforts, invest in product inventory, and support our sales agents. This slowed our growth and our ability to meet the demand for clean energy solutions.”
Since receiving SIMA’s investment, what has changed for your company, and what milestones are you most proud of?
Joyce: “SIMA’s investment allowed us to strengthen our operational capacity, expand our reach, and develop partnerships with various stakeholders. We have distributed more solar products to rural households and small businesses, improving access to reliable energy. Additionally, we have grown our sales team, improved after-sales support, and built strategic partnerships to scale our impact. One of our proudest milestones is seeing more women entrepreneurs access these energy technologies and thrive as part of our distribution network, creating economic opportunities while promoting sustainable energy solutions.”
Conclusion
Joyce Sikwese exemplifies the power of women-led businesses in driving change, creating economic opportunities, and fostering sustainability. Through her leadership at Green Impact Technologies, she has not only expanded access to clean energy in Malawi but has also empowered women entrepreneurs to be key players in the renewable energy space. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring female entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with vision, resilience, and strategic partnerships, it is possible to overcome challenges and create lasting impact.