“I can say I talk a lot now, especially when it has to do with my solar business, and I have more confidence. I talk about my business and what I do wherever I find myself.”
— Taibat Zakariyah, Nigeria
For Taibat Zakariyah, a private school teacher in Ibadan, Nigeria, supporting a family of seven—including two sets of twins—was a financial challenge. Looking for extra income, she started selling solar lamps on commission, but everything changed when she joined Solar Sister in 2021.
“Working with Solar Sister has brought us a lot of financial relief as a family.”
Taibat Zakariyah, an entrepreneur in Nigeria,is one of three Solar Sister Entrepreneurs featured in a film series, “Africa Innovates “ by Earthshot Prize and Bad Mama Jama Films.
The business training helped her see real profit potential. “It showed me how much I could earn by setting sales goals.” Technical training expanded her business. “Before, customers hesitated when I couldn’t install the 3-bulb system. Now, I can, and I have more customers.” Marketing skills gave her the confidence to promote her work.
With her growing solar business, she no longer depends entirely on her salary.
“I use my profit for house upkeep, and I don’t have to wait for payday to cover essential expenses.”
Beyond finances, her solar business is making a difference. “Many of my customers are market women who need lamps for their businesses or homes. My children study at night without worrying about their eyesight.”
“Every household needs light. It’s a business where you make a profit, save lives, and empower women to be financially independent.”
For Taibat, success is about impact. “My proudest moment is when customers give positive feedback and refer more people to me.”
And she’s not stopping here. “I want to give my children the best. I believe in hard work, and I know when you work relentlessly, you will get there one day.”