Evidence, Business Models and Policy Gaps from a Scoping Review of Women and Youth Led Clean Energy Enterprises in Malawi

Abstract Clean energy transitions in sub-Saharan Africa present significant opportunities to address energy poverty, climate change, and socio-economic inequality, yet the role of women and youth as entrepreneurs and enterprise leaders remains insufficiently documented. This study synthesizes evidence on women- and youth-led clean energy enterprises and business models in Malawi to inform more inclusive energy transitions. Applying a scoping review methodology guided by the PRISMA-ScR framework and the Arksey and O’Malley approach, the review drew on peer-reviewed literature and grey sources published between 2000 and 2025. Searches conducted in ScienceDirect, Emerald, and through hand searching yielded 44 eligible documents focusing on solar energy and clean cooking subsectors, which were thematically analyzed. Findings reveal growing engagement of women and youth in downstream value-chain activities such as distribution, retail, small-scale manufacturing, and servicing. Inclusive business models, including pay-as-you-go financing, microfinance, and community-based distribution, have improved affordability and market access. However, participation in upstream activities such as technology design, large-scale manufacturing, and finance remains limited. Persistent barriers include restricted access to finance and assets, gendered social norms, skills and information gaps, time poverty, and weak institutional coordination. Evidence on empowerment outcomes is fragmented and largely donor-driven, with limited application of standardized gender impact measurement frameworks. The study concludes that women- and youth-led enterprises contribute meaningfully to energy access and livelihood creation, but their transformative potential remains constrained. It recommends integrating gender- and youth-responsive indicators into national energy monitoring systems, expanding gender-responsive financing mechanisms, strengthening technical and entrepreneurial skills development, promoting participation in higher-value segments of clean energy value chains, and institutionalizing standardized gender impact measurement frameworks aligned with national policies and the Sustainable Development Goals.