Tanzanian clean energy company WAGA has received international recognition after its founder, Gibson Kawago, won the Global Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award 2025 in the “Giving” category. The award ceremony honors individuals who exemplify Muhammad Ali’s six enduring principles of Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect and Spirituality.
Gibson’s win marks a defining moment for Tanzania and the African continent, celebrating innovation that is transforming access to affordable and sustainable clean energy. His work through WAGA Technologies and WAGA Motion is helping expand electric mobility and clean power solutions across Africa, driving both social and environmental progress.
Clean Energy Innovation with a Human Purpose
WAGA Technologies has emerged as one of Tanzania’s most inspiring clean energy ventures. The company specializes in recycling and reusing lithium-ion batteries to produce affordable, durable and reliable power solutions. By giving new life to used batteries, WAGA is helping reduce electronic waste and minimize the demand for newly mined materials, a process that often relies on child labor in parts of Africa. Through innovation and social responsibility, the company is creating a cleaner, more sustainable continent, one battery at a time.
“Winning the Global Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award 2025 in the ‘Giving’ category marks a defining milestone for Tanzania and Africa at large,” said Gibson. “This recognition reflects our mission at WAGA Technologies and WAGA Motion to expand access to clean energy and accelerate electric mobility across the continent.”
Over the last two years, WAGA has been committed to creating a fully circular economy, ensuring that clean energy development does not come at the expense of the planet. The company’s approach aligns economic growth with environmental protection by turning waste into opportunity. Every recycled battery represents a step toward reducing carbon emissions, cutting down mining dependency and protecting vulnerable communities from hazardous work conditions.
WAGA Technologies’s vision is clear: to become a leader in clean energy solutions across Africa and a top recycler of electronic waste. The company’s motto, Empowering Sustainability Through Battery Renewal, reflects a deep commitment to both people and the planet. By extending the life cycle of batteries, WAGA is not only providing power but also protecting ecosystems and livelihoods.
Building a Sustainable Future for Africa
WAGA Technologies is built on four key pillars: Reuse, Recycle, Educate and Cooperate. These principles guide every aspect of the company’s operations, from product development to community engagement. The company’s mission focuses on providing affordable, reliable and durable clean energy solutions to low-income households, especially in regions where access to electricity remains limited.
Its products power a wide range of daily needs, from lighting and mobility to safety, health and household appliances. Lithium-ion batteries are central to modern life, running mobile phones, e-bikes, laptops and even essential healthcare tools. WAGA’s work ensures that these batteries remain part of a sustainable energy cycle instead of becoming waste.
Beyond its products, WAGA is also nurturing a culture of collaboration and climate consciousness. The company encourages partnerships with organizations, communities and individuals who share its goal of building a cleaner, greener Africa. “We believe the universe is too big to provide clean solutions alone,” the company notes. “Let’s join hands and protect our planet, our home.”
Gibson’s recognition underscores the global relevance of WAGA’s mission. He shared the stage with celebrated leaders including two-time Olympian and coach Nancy Lieberman, former Ford Foundation President Darren Walker and Khaliah Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali. Gibson expressed deep gratitude to Lonnie Ali, Co-founder and Interim CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, for continuing her late husband’s legacy of compassion and impact.
“I remain grateful to God, to my parents for their unwavering belief, to my WAGA team and partners for their dedication and to the Muhammad Ali Center for this profound honor,” Gibson said. “This award belongs to my team, our partners and every young African proving that innovation from our continent can power the world.”
Powering Change, Inspiring a Continent
WAGA’s journey represents the spirit of African innovation, practical, people-centered and forward-looking. By combining clean energy technology with a humanitarian vision, the company is creating opportunities for communities to thrive while protecting the environment.
The recognition of Gibson Kawago and WAGA through the Global Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award not only honors their achievements but also signals a broader shift in how the world views African entrepreneurship.
