In celebration of Women’s Day, our Female Founders Spotlight Series highlights inspiring women entrepreneurs who are driving change in the renewable energy sector. Today, we feature Judith Marera, the founder and CEO of Lanforce Energy, a women-led for-profit social enterprise dedicated to eradicating energy poverty and empowering women through sustainable solutions.
Judith was born and raised in rural Zimbabwe, where she witnessed firsthand the struggles women and children face in sourcing firewood for cooking. A Human Resource practitioner by profession, she has worked in both the private and public sectors. Her experience at the Meteorological Services Department and the World Meteorological Organisation further fueled her passion for climate action. Determined to create a lasting impact, she launched Lanforce Energy to provide clean energy solutions that improve lives and promote environmental sustainability.
What is one pivotal moment in your entrepreneurial journey that changed the trajectory of your business?
Judith: “It was during an engagement with a financial advisor from Get.Invest, where I was pitching our biogas solution to address energy poverty in rural Zimbabwe. The financial advisor, while impressed with our vision, expressed concerns about the financial model.
That moment forced me to re-examine our financial model and consider alternative approaches. I realized that our internal capabilities were not enough, and there were very few experts well-versed in financial modeling for a biogas company. Most models I came across were biased towards solar energy.
Through our engagement with the Water and Energy for Food Grand Challenge, we sought technical assistance to refine our financial model. The support we received from Open Capital was instrumental to our success. We managed to raise an additional €1.05 million in results-based financing.
That pivotal moment taught me the importance of adaptability and openness to feedback in entrepreneurship. It reminded me that even the most well-intentioned ideas can be improved upon, and that sometimes, challenges unlock new paths forward.”
How do you see your business contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future?
Judith: “Our solutions provide reliable, affordable, and clean energy to off-grid communities, bridging the energy access gap. We also offer our services on credit, making them more affordable for low-income households. Our biogas systems utilize organic waste, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. By converting organic waste into energy, we minimize waste disposal costs and promote sustainable waste management practices.
Additionally, our business has created employment opportunities for women and youth as community-based agents and technicians, helping to reduce poverty in rural areas. As a renewable energy provider, we contribute to climate mitigation efforts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers have also benefited from bio-slurry, which provides a sustainable solution for agricultural productivity.”
If you could give one piece of advice to female entrepreneurs seeking investment, what would it be?
Judith: “Never underestimate yourself and always be confident when showcasing your business. Female entrepreneurs should avoid being apologetic or using hesitant language when pitching their ideas. Instead, focus on your business strengths, team, and vision. Be prepared to answer investor questions and address concerns with confidence.
Building strategic networks is also crucial. Establish relationships with investors, mentors, and peers. Attend industry events, join networking groups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Don’t hesitate to reach out to individuals you admire for advice or guidance.”
What were the biggest challenges you faced before SIMA’s investment, and how did they impact your business growth?
Judith: “Before SIMA’s investment, securing funding was a major challenge. We relied primarily on bootstrapping, which limited our ability to scale operations, invest in new technology, and hire staff. Our biogas systems required significant upfront investments in construction and maintenance, making it difficult to expand our impact. These high operational costs posed a significant barrier to scaling our business.”
Since receiving SIMA’s investment, what has changed for your company, and what milestones are you most proud of?
Judith: “Since receiving SIMA’s investment, we have successfully unlocked additional funding in the form of grants, loans, and results-based financing, allowing us to scale our operations and expand our market reach. We have invested in new technology, including prefabricated biodigesters, which have improved our operational efficiency.
We’ve also been able to hire more staff and build our team’s capacity. Most importantly, SIMA has played a crucial role in our fundraising journey, helping us secure the resources needed to drive meaningful change.”
Through her work at Lanforce Energy, Judith Marera continues to lead the charge in renewable energy, proving that sustainable solutions and economic empowerment go hand in hand.