Inventor, Author of ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’, Co-Founder of the Moving Windmills Project & Pioneer in Renewable Energy

William Kamkwamba is a Malawian inventor, entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author, widely recognised as an inspirational keynote speaker on innovation, resilience and sustainable development. William first gained global attention after building a wind turbine from scrap materials as a teenager, bringing electricity to his family home during a devastating famine. Today, he is known as a TED Fellow, co-founder of the Moving Windmills Project, and a powerful voice on human-centred design and grassroots innovation.

William’s journey began in rural Malawi, where he grew up in the village of Wimbe. At just 14, he was forced to leave school due to financial hardship during the 2002 famine. Determined to continue learning, he spent time in a local library, where he discovered a science textbook that inspired him to build his first windmill using recycled materials. This breakthrough moment transformed his life, leading to international recognition and opportunities to further his education, including studying at the African Leadership Academy and later earning a degree in Environmental Studies from Dartmouth College.

Following his education, William developed a career that blends innovation, education and social impact. He became a Global Fellow at IDEO.org, working on human-centred design projects across the world, including agricultural solutions in Myanmar and sanitation initiatives in India. His memoir ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’, became a global bestseller, selling over one million copies and translated into nearly twenty languages. The story was later adapted into a critically acclaimed Netflix film, further cementing his influence. Alongside this, William co-founded the Moving Windmills Project, delivering sustainable development programmes across Malawi.

Beyond his technical and entrepreneurial work, William is a prominent global speaker and advocate for youth empowerment and innovation. He has appeared on major media platforms including The Daily Show and Good Morning America, and his TEDGlobal talk  ‘How I Built a Windmill‘ remains one of his most defining moments. His work continues through the development of the Moving Windmills Innovation Center in Kasungu, designed to equip young people with tools and mentorship to solve real-world challenges, ensuring his impact extends to future generations.

Why Hire William Kamkwamba?

William Kamkwamba delivers deeply inspiring, authentic talks grounded in lived experience, innovation and resilience. His storytelling style is engaging and accessible, making complex ideas around sustainability and problem-solving relatable to any audience. A TEDGlobal speaker with global media recognition, he speaks on innovation, education and overcoming adversity. William leaves audiences motivated to think creatively and act with purpose, making him a powerful choice for conferences, leadership events and educational programmes seeking meaningful, lasting impact.