Zainabu Raituni is a 47-year-old entrepreneur in southwestern Tanzania who has been lighting up her community since joining Solar Sister in 2021. Inspired by a village meeting introducing her to the organization, Zainabu found a path to grow her business and reshape her family’s future.
Zainabu was running a small restaurant and farming but still found that the income was insufficient. When she heard the presentation about Solar Sister, she joined, hoping to improve her family’s life. Since then, Zainabu has spent the past four years growing her clean energy business and bringing solar products to her community.
Empowered Through Training
One of the key elements in Zainabu’s success has been the “Managing Money” training provided by Solar Sister. This training helps her distinguish between capital and profit – a crucial skill that has boosted her business management. Zainabu credits this knowledge with giving her the confidence to approach customers without fear and grow her business effectively.
Life-Changing Impact
Since joining Solar Sister, Zainabu has experienced a significant positive change in her life. She now easily meets her family’s needs, from putting food on the table to buying school supplies and uniforms for her children. Her income from the solar business has also contributed to shared decision-making with her husband, empowering her to support her family financially and become more independent.
The proudest moment of Zainabu’s journey was being able to buy a goat – a step toward her goals of increasing livestock and finishing the construction of her home. Her next big dream? Purchasing a farm and continuing to grow her livestock business.
Overcoming Challenges
Zainabu’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without its hurdles. Traveling to remote villages to find customers is a constant challenge, sometimes resulting in long hours that test her family’s patience and raise safety concerns. But her determination remains unshaken as she continues to expand her reach, going to markets, neighboring villages, and even door-to-door to connect with customers.
A Leader and Role Model
Since joining Solar Sister, Zainabu has become a “mirror of the community.” The clean energy solutions she has introduced – such as providing a solar lighting home system to her village clinic in Miyovizi, Tanzania – solve the big problem of not having light at night and have earned her respect and recognition. Although she doesn’t hold any official community title, Zainabu plays a crucial role as a role model, bringing light and solving challenges in society around her.
Zainabu’s home is now illuminated by solar lights, reducing costs and freeing her family from the reliance on batteries and candles.
“The happiest moment in my business is when I see my business going well and reaching many customers.”