The first thing you notice when you meet Theresia Msuya, a Solar Sister Entrepreneur near Moshi, Tanzania, is her infectious smile. As a farmer, Theresia tends to her crops, nurturing beans, maize, and vegetables, and sells her harvest at the local markets.
Last year, she noticed that her friend Beatrice, a Solar Sister Entrepreneur since 2018, had success selling solar lamps in her community, so she started helping Beatrice. Inspired by Beatrice’s success and positive impact on her community, Theresia embarked on her solar journey in October 2023, joining Solar Sister and the Sisterhood group with Beatrice and long-time Business Development Associate Victoria Mfinanga.
Theresia’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. About seven years ago, she noticed her husband’s increasing forgetfulness, though he was only 45 at the time. As time went on and his “amnesia” increased, it became increasingly challenging for Theresia to support their five children and maintain the farm.
Starting her business as a Solar Sister Entrepreneur has given her new hope. She wants to keep her children in school, keep the farm going, and have the resources to take care of her husband.
Theresia says that the comprehensive training and unwavering support she received from Beatrice and Victoria have boosted her confidence and renewed her hope for a brighter future. At the age of 47, she is brimming with newfound energy and vision.
Theresia proudly identifies herself as a businesswoman, “I am determined to expand my business and become known for providing quality solar products,” she affirms. “Women are the ones facing the light problem, especially if you have children at home so they can study at night.”
While some parts of the region gained access to electricity in 2021, the service remains inconsistent, often leaving families in the dark. In fact, the electricity was off at her home when she set out for her recent Sisterhood meeting.