One hundred women across six Nigerian states are launching clean energy businesses that will help address energy poverty in off-grid communities while creating new economic opportunities for themselves and their families.
Through a partnership between the ECOWAS* Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) under the Women Energy Enterprise Project and Solar Sister, these entrepreneurs are bringing solar energy solutions to households and small businesses without reliable electricity, creating a growing network of women-led enterprises that strengthen communities and local economies.
Since the launch of this partnership, 100 women have been equipped to build and grow clean energy businesses across six states in Nigeria: Kogi, Taraba, Plateau, Edo, Benue, and Enugu. These women are now building and managing their own energy businesses in their communities, creating a growing network of women-led enterprises that transform lives while promoting sustainable energy solutions.
The initiative was designed to address one of the biggest challenges facing off-grid communities in Nigeria: limited access to reliable, affordable, and clean electricity. Many households and small businesses in these communities still depend on kerosene lamps, candles, and other costly and harmful energy alternatives. Through this partnership, women entrepreneurs are now distributing solar lanterns, solar home systems, and other energy-efficient technologies that provide safer, cleaner, and more affordable energy options.
Beyond product distribution, the project is focused on building long-term business success for each entrepreneur. The 100 women recruited under the program receive a start-up kit, a business-in-a-bag, and monthly inventory supplies through Solar Sister’s Sisterhood Groups. This support helps the women establish and grow profitable energy businesses. To ensure sustainability and continuous growth, these entrepreneurs will also receive monthly training covering business management, customer engagement, product knowledge, financial literacy, and leadership development.
This ongoing capacity-building approach is helping to create not only successful business owners but also community leaders and clean energy champions. As these women expand their reach, more families and businesses in off-grid communities gain access to reliable electricity, improved livelihoods, and healthier living conditions.
The partnership between the ECOWAS ROGEAP WEEP initiative and Solar Sister demonstrates how investing in women can accelerate clean energy adoption, stimulate local economies, and drive inclusive climate action. By empowering women with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to thrive in the clean energy sector, this initiative is creating lasting social, economic, and environmental impact across Nigeria.
