Green Scene Energy’s Founder and CEO, Rekik Bekele, was invited by the United Nations Global Compact as a distinguished speaker at the fifth edition of Unstoppable Africa 2026, held on 20 and 21 September at the Marriott Marquis in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-level Week. The invitation recognised her work building solar power systems that bring power directly to African communities.
“As a leader committed to impactful change, your voice would be critical to this year’s program.”
Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and CEO, UN Global Compact
A stage shared with presidents and global CEOs
Unstoppable Africa is the premier global platform for African business, convened by the United Nations and the African Union. It gathers 4,000 participants including Heads of State, Fortune 500 CEOs and global investors.
Past editions have featured UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President William Ruto of Kenya, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Aliko Dangote, Melinda Gates and Strive Masiyiwa, among others.
The work behind the recognition
6MW+
solar and battery systems delivered
100,000+
lives impacted across Ethiopia
8
consecutive profitable years, women-led
ቶሎ
Ethiopia’s first locally made induction stove
ቶሎ means fast in Amharic
While scheduling did not allow Ms Bekele to travel to New York for this edition, the recognition reflects the work of the entire Green Scene team, including TOLO (ቶሎ), Ethiopia’s first locally manufactured induction cookstove, now expanding to Rwanda under the AfCFTA. The name is a promise: clean cooking should not keep Africa waiting.
“Nothing is impossible. This one is for all my people who supported me along the way,” said Ms Bekele. “An Ethiopian, women-led clean energy company invited onto that stage means one thing: the work is being seen at the highest level.”
