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Revision as of 18:00, 16 January 2025 by 24eeWikiUser (talk | contribs) (CREATED a new ARTICLE for a Eritrean entrepreneur)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) Eritrean Business executive| Ghirmay Abraham | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ghirmay Zeray Abraham Eritrea |
| Nationality | Eritrean |
| Education | University of Asmara |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Employer | Aptech Africa (2011-Present) |
| Known for | Renewable energy |
| Title | Co-founder and Chairman at Aptech Africa |
Ghirmay Zeray Abraham is an Eritrean business executive and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and managing director of Aptech Africa, a provider of renewable energy and water solutions across Africa.
Born in Eritrea, Ghirmay studied mechanical engineering at the University of Asmara. After graduation, he pursued a career in the renewable energy sector, focusing on expanding access to electricity and water for underserved communities. Ghirmay's entrepreneurial journey has earned him recognition as a Top 10 finalist in the 2021 Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) competition, an initiative by the Jack Ma Foundation.
Career at Aptech Africa
In 2011, Ghirmay co-founded Aptech Africa with his brother Metkel Zerai. Aptech founded as a renewable energy company in Juba, South Sudan. As reported Aptech started with $20,000 in personal and family savings. Initially selling solar lanterns, the company secured its first major contract in 2012, installing solar panels at a medical facility.
Under his leadership, Aptech stayed operational amid the South Sudan civil war, taking over abandoned projects. Notably, in 2016, they successfully installed solar systems for five teacher training colleges in South Sudan despite ongoing conflict. Expanding into Uganda in 2016, Aptech grew into niche markets like solar water pumps and refrigeration. The company has since grown into a multinational enterprise, providing solar energy solutions and water pumping systems to communities across Africa. Since its founding, Aptech has operations in African countries including South Sudan, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Liberia, DRC, and Niger while being headquartered in Uganda.
In 2019, Aptech named one of the “Companies to Inspire Africa in 2019” by the London Stock Exchange Group. In 2020, Aptech was also named Best in Business honoree by Essence magazine.
Social Impact
Ghirmay drives social impact by improving access to electricity and clean water in underserved African communities where Aptech operates. Through solar energy and water solutions, his work enhances livelihoods, supports food security, and fosters economic empowerment by creating jobs and training opportunities.
Recognitions
- 2019: Ghirmay named among Quartz Africa Innovators 2019.
- 2021: Ghirmay named among the 2021 Africa’s Business Heroes winners.
- 2025: Ghirmay named among 100 most reputable Africans by The Reputation Poll.
Personal life
Ghirmay is married and has four children.
References
- ^ "ብኤርትራዊ ዝውነን ኣፕቴክ ኣፍሪካ ሓደ ካብ ዝበለጹ 50 ትካላት ኣፍሪቃ ተባሂሉ". BBC News ትግርኛ (in Tigrinya). Retrieved 2025-01-16.
- Bacar, Ibn (2021-10-20). "The Journey of Ghirmay Abraham, Founder & CEO of Aptech | Startup News". Retrieved 2025-01-15.
- Africa, Tech in (2021-10-07). "Africa's Business Heroes announces top 10 finalists for 2021 prize competition". Tech In Africa. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
- ^ "An Awesome Platform To Showcase African Talent in The ABH- Ghirmay Zeray Abraham". 2021-11-14.
- Admin. "How two Eritrean brothers built a solar power business in some of Africa riskiest markets". Madote. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
- "How two Eritrean brothers built a solar power business in some of Africa's riskiest markets". Quartz. 2019-02-22. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
- Rogo, Paula (2020-05-25). "The Africa List: The Best In Entertainment, Culture and Business". Essence. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
- "Quartz Africa Innovators 2019: leading the change for Africa's future". Quartz. 2019-09-19. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
- Releases, APO Press (2021-11-18). "2021 Africa's Business Heroes Winners Announced". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
- Kpakete, Rowland (2025-01-06). "FULL LIST: 13 Nigerians, 87 others make 100 most reputable Africans". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2025-01-15.