What drives an engineer to turn his back on conventional success and embark on a mission to change the world? For Moses Nweke, the answer was simple: a vision of clean air, brighter homes, and a sustainable future. Born in Plateau State, Nigeria, Moses watched as energy poverty cast a shadow over rural communities, particularly impacting women and children.
Determined to change this, he channeled his mechanical engineering background into developing eco-friendly cookstoves. Today, Moses is a pioneer in energy innovation, transforming lives. His journey isn’t just about business—it’s about solving problems that matter most to those who need it the most.
It’s not every day that you meet someone whose work revolves around tackling one of the most pressing issues facing rural communities in Nigeria: energy poverty. But Moses Nweke is different. For him, the drive to solve societal problems started early, with a sense of responsibility that has guided his every step. “My journey into entrepreneurship has always been a drive to solve the social challenges around me,” Moses reflects, his words echoing a commitment to making a tangible difference.
“Studying Mechanical Engineering at the prestigious University of Jos gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving and design principles. I developed a keen interest in energy and knew that I had to do something about the challenges I saw.”
From Engineering to Entrepreneurship
The world Moses entered was not one defined by opportunity, but by constraints—especially in rural Nigeria, where energy poverty affects millions, and the consequences of this lack are felt most acutely by women and girls. Through the lens of education, he gained technical knowledge and leadership skills that would shape his entrepreneurial vision. During his time at the University of Jos he realized the potential of combining his engineering background with the social needs he witnessed firsthand.
Moses’s early involvement in volunteering and leadership allowed him to expand his vision beyond his immediate community. “I joined peers in community projects and, through that, I found a space where I could develop my leadership and business skills,” Moses shares.
“I participated in Harvard leadership training, the Venture in Management Program by Lagos Business School, and other initiatives. These experiences helped me sharpen my business acumen and prepared me for the entrepreneurship journey ahead.”
Launching Stovtek: A Vision for Change
This blend of education, leadership development, and a deep-seated commitment to community led Moses to launch Stovtek—a company aimed at battling indoor air pollution and energy poverty by creating innovative, clean cookstoves.
“I decided to go full-time into solving these problems after completing my degree,” Moses explains. “Stovtek was born out of a recognition of the grave issues surrounding energy poverty, especially for women and girls in rural Nigeria. I’ve seen the challenges up close, and I knew I had to do something.”
Based in Plateau State, Stovtek provides eco-friendly, energy-efficient cooking solutions. The company combines cutting-edge cooking technologies with renewable energy to provide a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for African homes. For Moses, it’s more than just a business—it’s a mission to transform lives.
“We’re not just making stoves; we’re changing the way people cook and power their homes,” he emphasizes.
“Our products are designed to reduce environmental impact, improve health outcomes, and empower communities in Northern Nigeria.”
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Success
But Moses’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without its challenges. The road to success, as he has learned, is not an easy one. One of the biggest hurdles he faced was raising funds and building a team. “Raising funds is hard, but building a team is even more complicated. You’re asking people to commit to a vision that isn’t originally theirs,” Moses admits. “Finding the balance is crucial. Your team has to have a sense of ownership, and you must continuously seek innovative ways to improve the dynamics and efficiency of that team.”
The lessons Moses has learned over the years are valuable ones, shaped by his willingness to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity. “Start where you are, with what you have, but always have a clear vision of where you want to be,” he advises entrepreneurs just starting. “It’s easy to feel lost, misunderstood, or unmotivated, but no matter what, never stop trying. Cry if you must, but never stop pursuing your dream.”
Moses’s ability to overcome obstacles and continuously innovate is reflected in his company’s success stories. Stovtek’s innovative approach earned it third place in the Nigeria Institution of Mechanical Engineers Innovative Challenge, a moment he describes as one of the most validating moments of his career. “We were among hundreds of applicants, and being recognized like that was a significant achievement,” Moses recalls. “It validated the impact of our work, especially on the lives of women in rural communities.”
“Another notable and significant achievement was being accepted into the Venture in Management
Program was a testament to the progress I have made in my entrepreneurship journey as well
as the significant impacts just over a short period,” he adds.
Moses’s passion for making an impact goes beyond Stovtek. His engagement in climate policy and advocacy is a testament to his broader vision of sustainable energy solutions. He is actively involved in sustainable energy fellowships, conferences, and initiatives that work to improve clean energy access across Africa.
“I spend a lot of time in community outreach programs, especially in youth development. It’s important to empower the next generation with the skills and knowledge they need to continue the work of improving energy access,” Moses says. “I want to see the energy landscape in Africa transform, and that starts with the youth.”
Looking Toward the Future
Looking ahead, Moses is particularly excited about the role of emerging technologies in the energy sector. As the co-founder of UpSmart Energies, he is working on a groundbreaking project that combines AI, IoT, and renewable energy to make energy more affordable and accessible.
“I’m really excited about what we’re doing with UpSmart Energies,” Moses shares. “Leveraging AI to solve energy access issues is a game-changer, and I can’t wait to see the kind of impact this will have on the industry.”
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Moses emphasizes the importance of resilience and continuous learning. “Entrepreneurship is a never-ending journey. There is always something new to learn, and you have to build resilience to handle the pressure,” he notes. “Success isn’t just about having the best idea—it’s about execution, adaptability, and building a team that shares your vision.”
Moses Nweke’s story is of resilience, innovation, and a relentless drive to improve lives through sustainable energy solutions. With his unwavering commitment to his community and the environment, he is truly an inspiration. As he continues to lead the way in the energy space, it’s clear that Moses is not just solving problems—he’s changing lives, one stove at a time.
