Sivan Yaari, an Israeli businessperson, is the visionary Founder & CEO of Innovation: Africa. Born in Israel, raised in France, and educated in the United States, Yaari holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Pace University and a master’s degree in international Energy management and policy from Columbia University. In 2008, she established Innovation: Africa.
Innovation: Africa is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Focused on enhancing access to essential resources, the organization harnesses Israeli solar and water technology to bring about transformative changes across 10 African countries.
The key challenges Innovation: Africa faces include widespread lack of electricity, affecting education, healthcare, and clean water access for millions. With over 60% of schools and 65% of medical centers operating without electricity, Innovation: Africa intervenes by installing solar panels in schools and medical clinics, significantly improving education and healthcare services.
The organization’s innovative solutions extend to implementing solar water pumping systems, extracting water from aquifers in drought-prone regions. This approach, complemented by Israeli drip irrigation technology, not only provides clean water but also empowers villages to cultivate more food with minimal water usage, thereby addressing food scarcity. Moreover, Innovation: Africa’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of the Energy Box—a pioneering technology utilizing Lithium-Ion batteries and Israeli LED bulbs. This energy solution, integrated with a remote monitoring system, ensures the longevity and efficiency of the implemented projects, creating a lasting impact on the lives of the communities served.
Innovation: Africa stands out through its holistic approach, employing local teams for system construction and maintenance while incorporating cutting-edge Israeli innovations. The organization’s impact is measurable in improved graduation rates, enhanced healthcare access, and increased food security, emphasizing the success of its mission to bring lasting change to communities in need.