Women Entrepreneurs Bringing Clean Energy Access to Remote Communities  

In Tanzania, 38 million people do not have access to electricity, 30 million people live below the extreme poverty line, and women are 28% less likely to have the same opportunities as men. Women and children are disproportionately impacted by energy poverty because women can spend up to 10 hours a week collecting fuel for energy use, often also leading to young girls being removed from school for firewood collection and preventing women from participating in other income-generating activities. 

To address this challenge, Puma Energy Foundation is partnering with Solar Sister, an organisation that recruits, trains, and supports local women in sub-Saharan Africa to start clean energy businesses selling solar lamps and other basic clean energy products directly to their community.   

Through their award-wining model, the organisation has already formed a network of over 9,400 Solar Sister Entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan Africa currently servicing more than 3.8 million people. Solar Sister provides business training to women entrepreneurs on subjects such as marketing, keeping books, creating a business plan, and business forecasting. Solar Sister also vets the products women sell to ensure they are durable and of good quality, and gets them to the entrepreneurs.  

Our partnership focuses on the Business Booster Programme, which will support 325 high-potential Solar Sister Entrepreneurs (SSEs) across 22 regions in Tanzania. Through advanced business skills training, coaching, and access to business credit, these entrepreneurs will be equipped to take their businesses to the next level. Additionally, digital literacy training and access to digital tools such as smartphones will empower SSEs to leverage technology for their business operations. 

Through the Business Booster Programme, at least 50% of participating women entrepreneurs are anticipated to double their clean energy sales, leading to increased income to support their families. Moreover, the program will enable more off-grid households to access clean energy, contributing to improved living conditions and enhanced climate resilience within communities. It is projected that over 60,000 clean energy products will be sold by the SSEs participating in the program, further driving the adoption of sustainable energy solutions to eradicate energy poverty. 

By harnessing the power of women entrepreneurs and their networks, this collaboration strives to create lasting change by providing access to clean energy, promoting economic empowerment, and building resilient communities in Tanzania. 

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Photo credit `Solar sister´