Erik Hersman

I lead Gridless, a company pioneering decentralized energy solutions through bitcoin mining to electrify off-grid communities across Africa. With active renewable-powered sites in Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia, Gridless uses bitcoin mining to monetize excess energy and build a financially sustainable path to rural electrification for the continent’s 600 million unconnected people. Previously, I founded BRCK, a rugged connectivity device and Africa’s largest public WiFi platform, and the iHub, Nairobi’s influential innovation hub that helped shape the region’s tech ecosystem. I also co-founded Ushahidi, the groundbreaking crisis-mapping platform used worldwide. A lifelong builder of tech and infrastructure for Africa, I live in Nairobi with my family. You can find me on Twitter at @WhiteAfrican.