Energy Sparks – Pitch the Vision! Winner: How SPARKY is Turning Biotechnology into Energy Solutions for Africa
From a student project born out of personal struggle to a vision for powering underserved communities, SPARKY is redefining what renewable energy can look like in Africa. Created by Amanda Sphokazi Mwelase from University of Western Cape, the project draws on Amanda’s background in biotechnology to design a bacterial-powered electricity system that is both sustainable and affordable.
Supported by the visibility, networks, and encouragement of YES!, Amanda has turned an idea into a growing movement that highlights the role of youth-led innovation in solving Africa’s energy challenges. In this interview, she shares the inspiration behind SPARKY, the hurdles she has faced, and her advice for other young Africans with big ideas.
In this interview, Amanda reflects on the journey behind SPARKY — from the personal experiences that sparked the idea to the support and visibility gained through YES! — and offers her perspective on the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons for other young Africans with big ideas.
How has YES! supported or accelerated the development of SPARKY and your journey as a young entrepreneur?
Amanda: YES! gave me something more powerful than funding it gave me visibility and belief. Standing on that stage in Cape Town and being recognized for SPARKY showed me that my idea matters, and that Africa is ready for solutions like this. The network, encouragement, and exposure I received have accelerated my journey by opening doors to conversations and potential collaborations that I would never have reached on my own.
Can you tell us about your journey as a young innovator and what inspired you to create SPARKY?
Amanda: My journey began from personal struggle. Growing up in South Africa, I’ve seen how the lack of reliable electricity affects families, no light for students to study, no refrigeration for food, no access to opportunities. At the same time, my background in biotechnology inspired me to think differently: what if nature itself could generate electricity? That’s how SPARKY was born, a bacterial-powered electricity system designed to be affordable, sustainable, and community-centered.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced turning your idea into a prototype?
Amanda: The biggest challenge has been resources both financial and technical. As a student, I don’t have the funds to build a full prototype yet, but I’ve been gathering the knowledge, connections, and determination to make it happen. Another challenge is balancing my studies with entrepreneurship, but I believe that my persistence will eventually pay off.
What advice would you give to other young Africans who have big ideas but don’t know where to start?
Amanda: Start with what you have. Don’t wait until you feel “ready,” because readiness comes in the process. Share your idea, test it on a small scale, and don’t be afraid of rejection every ‘no’ brings you closer to a ‘yes.’ Most importantly, remember that our continent needs your ideas. Innovation doesn’t belong only to labs or billionaires; it belongs to young Africans who dare to believe in their vision.
SPARKY’s long-term vision is to provide decentralized, renewable electricity to underserved communities across Africa. Amanda believes that energy access is not just about powering homes but it’s about powering education, opportunity, and dignity. For Amanda Sphokazi Mwelase, what began as a spark of inspiration has grown into a vision with the power to transform communities. Their story is a reminder that when young innovators are given visibility, networks, and belief, they can turn challenges into solutions that redefine what is possible.
Responses