William Kamkwamba

Inventor, Bestselling Author of ‘The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind’, Co-Founder of The Moving Windmills Project & Leading Voice in Renewable Energy Innovation

William Kamkwamba’s Biography:

William Kamkwamba is a Malawian inventor, entrepreneur and internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, best known as the New York Times bestselling author of ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’. Recognised globally for his ingenuity, William first captured attention after building a functioning wind turbine from scrap materials as a teenager. Today, he is a TED Fellow, IDEO.org Global Fellow, and co-founder of the Moving Windmills Project, delivering powerful talks on innovation, resilience and sustainable development.

William’s early life in rural Malawi shaped the foundation of his message. At just 14 years old, he was forced to leave school due to a devastating famine that left his family unable to afford fees. Determined to continue learning, William turned to his local library, where he discovered a science textbook that would change his life. Using only basic materials, including bicycle parts and scrap metal, he built his first windmill, generating electricity for his home. This moment marked the beginning of his journey, transforming him from a curious student into a globally recognised innovator.

Following the international attention his invention received, William was invited to speak as a TED Fellow at TEDGlobal, where his story ‘How I Built a Windmill‘ resonated with audiences worldwide. He later attended the African Leadership Academy before earning a degree as a Dartmouth College graduate in Environmental Studies, further strengthening his expertise in sustainability and design. William went on to work as a Global Fellow at IDEO.org, contributing to projects focused on human-centred design across multiple countries. In 2008, he co-founded the Moving Windmills Project, an organisation dedicated to empowering young people in Malawi to develop practical solutions using local resources. His memoir has sold over one million copies globally and inspired a widely acclaimed film adaptation, bringing his story to an even broader audience.

Why Hire William Kamkwamba?

William is a compelling choice for organisations seeking a speaker who brings authenticity, insight and lasting impact. His talks focus on innovation under pressure, sustainable thinking, education access and the power of human creativity. These themes are increasingly relevant for businesses and leaders navigating complex challenges, where resourcefulness and adaptability are essential. William’s story offers a clear and memorable example of how determination and knowledge can drive meaningful change, making him a speaker who not only inspires but equips audiences with a new perspective on possibility.

William Kamkwamba’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define William Kamkwamba’s remarkable career:

  • 2026 – Story adapted into Royal Shakespeare Company musical premiered in Stratford-upon-Avon and transferred to London’s West End
  • 2025 – Stage musical adaptation of ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’ announced with West End transfer plans
  • 2019 – Alfred P. Sloan Prize winner at Sundance Film Festival for film adaptation
  • 2014 – Graduated from Dartmouth College in Environmental Studies
  • 2013 – Named in TIME Magazine’s ‘30 People Under 30 Changing the World’
  • 2010 – Recipient of the GO Ingenuity Award
  • 2009 – Published ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’ (New York Times Bestseller)
  • 2008 – Co-founded Moving Windmills Project
  • 2007 – Delivered TEDGlobal talk as a TED Fellow
  • 2001 – Built first wind turbine from scrap materials in Malawi