William Kamkwamba

Date of Birth: August 5, 1987

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

William Kamkwamba is a Malawian innovator, engineer, and author best known for constructing a wind turbine from scrap materials to power electrical appliances in his family’s house in Wimbe, near Kasungu in Malawi. Born into a family of subsistence farmers, Kamkwamba faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints that prevented him from continuing his education beyond primary school. In 2001, at the age of 14, Kamkwamba was forced to drop out of secondary school due to a severe famine that left his family unable to afford the school fees. Determined to continue his education, he began studying independently at the local library, where he discovered a book titled “Using Energy.” Inspired by the diagrams and explanations of wind turbines, he decided to build one for his family. Kamkwamba scavenged materials from a local scrapyard and, through trial and error, constructed a functioning wind turbine that provided electricity to his family’s home. His achievement garnered international attention, leading to invitations to speak at conferences, including TEDGlobal, and eventually earning him scholarships to attend prestigious educational institutions such as the African Leadership Academy and Dartmouth College. William Kamkwamba co-authored a memoir titled “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” which details his journey from a small village in Malawi to becoming a globally recognized innovator. The book has been adapted into a feature film by Netflix, further amplifying his inspirational story.

5 Interesting Facts about William Kamkwamba

1. William Kamkwamba built his first wind turbine at the age of 14 using materials he found in a local scrapyard.

2. He has co-authored a memoir titled “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” which has been translated into multiple languages.

3. Kamkwamba’s story has been adapted into a Netflix film released in 2019.

4. He received a scholarship to attend the prestigious African Leadership Academy in South Africa and later Dartmouth College in the United States.

5. Kamkwamba’s innovative work has earned him numerous awards, including a spot in the “30 Under 30” list by Forbes Africa.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Kamkwamba

1. “I try, and I made it.”

2. “If you want to make it, all you have to do is try.”

3. “When the birds were not there, I told myself I would build my own wind.”

4. “The simple things are sometimes the most powerful.”

5. “I went to the library and I discovered this book that taught me how to build a windmill.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As of the latest available information, William Kamkwamba’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000, primarily from book sales, speaking engagements, and consulting.