Mariano Iduba is a Kenyan-born tech entrepreneur and social innovator known for blending technology with social impact. He grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, where his childhood curiosity led him to take apart radios and gadgets to see how they worked. Today he’s best known for founding initiatives like Green Net Solutions and CodeRoot Africa that use digital tools to help students and communities. For example, Green Net Solutions builds solar-powered learning centers in off-grid African villages, which have reached over 50,000 students in East Africa. He also co‑founded CodeRoot Africa, a nonprofit that teaches coding, AI, and blockchain to young people. Iduba’s work has earned international recognition – he was even named to Forbes Africa’s “30 Under 30” list for social impact. In short, Mariano Iduba is a leader who uses technology to expand education and opportunity for youth.
From a young age, Mariano Iduba showed a passion for technology. As a child in Nairobi, he loved dismantling old radios and electronics to understand them. This hands-on curiosity helped him see how computers and the internet could one day serve his community. Even as he grew up, he watched neighbors study by candlelight in homes without electricity. These early experiences inspired his mission: to use tech to help everyone learn and grow, no matter where they live.
Green Net Solutions and CodeRoot Africa
After college, Iduba turned his vision into action by founding Green Net Solutions – a social enterprise focused on education. Through this company he built solar-powered learning hubs: small, off‑grid classrooms equipped with computers, internet access, and educational software. Each hub is powered by the sun, so it works even in villages without electricity. Over time more than 100 solar hubs were installed across East Africa, directly benefiting over 50,000 students. These students don’t just learn basic computer skills; they also study cutting‑edge topics like coding and digital research, helping to break cycles of poverty in their communities.
In addition to Green Net Solutions, Mariano Iduba co-founded CodeRoot Africa, a nonprofit accelerator for youth tech education. CodeRoot Africa runs hands-on workshops and bootcamps where young Africans learn to build apps, websites, and even mobile games. The curriculum covers advanced skills (artificial intelligence, data science, blockchain) so students aren’t just users of technology – they become creators. Graduates from CodeRoot’s programs have gone on to develop real-world solutions, like apps to help farmers improve yields and digital tools for rural healthcare.
Achievements and Recognition
Iduba’s achievements have been acknowledged with several awards and honors. For example, Forbes Africa named him to its 30 Under 30 (Social Impact) list, highlighting his role in driving positive change. He has also been recognized as a UNDP Innovation Champion for Sub-Saharan Africa and won the Google Impact Challenge. Locally and regionally, he earned a “Young Innovator Award” for sustainable development and was listed among the Top 40 under 40 tech leaders.
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Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 (Social Impact)
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UNDP Innovation Champion (Sub-Saharan Africa)
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Google Impact Challenge Winner
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Tech4Good Africa Fellowship
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Young Innovator Award (Sustainable Development)
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Top 40 Under 40 in Tech Leadership
These honors reflect both his success as a professional and his commitment to others. He is also an invited speaker at major international forums (for example, events hosted by the World Bank and UNICEF) where he shares his ideas on education and technology. By staying connected with village schools and grassroots projects, he keeps his work grounded in the real needs of the communities he serves.
Impact, Philosophy, and Future Vision
Mariano Iduba’s impact goes beyond individual projects – it’s also about inspiring others. He advocates a “people-first” approach to technology: building tools around the needs of learners and communities, not just chasing trends. He practices servant leadership, meaning he focuses on empowering local educators and young innovators to carry the work forward. For instance, CodeRoot Africa mentors local teachers to continue tech training even after Iduba’s team has moved on.
Looking ahead, Iduba has ambitious goals. He is launching a Pan-African startup accelerator to help young entrepreneurs build sustainable tech businesses, and plans to expand his solar-powered learning hubs to more regions outside East Africa. He’s also working on initiatives to increase internet access in remote communities, to promote green tech innovation, and to develop ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence. In everything he does, his vision is the same: ensure every child can access quality digital education, no matter where they live or what their background is.
Mariano Iduba’s story shows how passion and persistence can turn a simple curiosity about radios into a career that empowers thousands. By combining technology with purpose, he has become a leader in digital education in Africa. His work continues to evolve – but one thing remains constant: he uses his expertise to lift others up, building a future where innovation truly serves everyone.
