Mali to Raleigh: Alex Diallo’s Journey from West Africa to Renewable Energy Innovation

Alex Diallo, a senior in Electrical Engineering at NC State, is blending his roots in Mali with his passion for renewable energy. He aims to transform his community through sustainable solutions.

Meet Alex Diallo, a senior in Electrical Engineering at NC State University, whose journey from West Africa to Raleigh, North Carolina, is fueled by a passion for renewable energy and a desire to give back to his homeland. Originally from Mali, Alex’s story exemplifies perseverance, community and the power of education.

Growing up in Mali, Alex experienced a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. “Mali is special because of the people, culture and nature. People are very welcoming — families and neighbors are close-knit. Everyone helps each other. It feels good to belong to such a caring community,” Alex reflects. The ancient history, vibrant festivals and iconic Malian music are integral parts of life there, creating a warm and supportive environment that Alex still cherishes.

However, life in Mali also presented certain challenges, such as frequent power outages. These blackouts, sometimes lasting hours, sparked Alex’s interest in renewable energy. “I started having an interest in photovoltaic (PV) systems because they offer a solution to the recurrent power cuts. Mali’s flat land and high solar irradiance make it ideal for solar energy,” Alex explains. 

His vision? To return home one day and help his community by designing and installing solar and battery storage systems.

Alex’s educational journey began in Mali, where the French language dominates the classroom. After finishing high school, he moved to the U.S. to pursue his dreams, starting at Wake Tech. There, he not only learned English but also found a supportive community of classmates and professors who encouraged him to transfer to NC State. “The ECE department at NC State is well known, and many people recommended it as the perfect fit for my goals,” he says.

Choosing to major in Electrical Engineering (ECE) was a natural step for Alex, fueled by his childhood experiences. Today, his passion for sustainability shines through his senior capstone project: designing a photovoltaic and battery system that powers an EV charging station and a building on campus. “It’s a lot of work, but I’m enjoying it because this is what I want to do in the future,” he shares. Through this hands-on project, Alex is acquiring the skills he will need to achieve his dream of opening a PV and battery system company in Mali.

Though Alex has embraced life in Raleigh, he admits there are things about home he misses. “I love nature — Raleigh has so many parks and lakes to visit, which I enjoy. But I miss my family and the traditional dishes from Mali like riz au gras and wudjila, a meat stew with soft bread on the side,” he says with a smile.

As he approaches graduation, Alex’s goals remain clear and his determination remains unwavering. His journey from Mali to NC State exemplifies the transformative power of education and the profound impact it can have not only on individuals but entire communities.