Nigeria has the lowest access to electricity globally and faces significant challenges in addressing energy poverty, with women and girls bearing the brunt of its impact. REES Africa, founded by Yetunde Fadeyi is tackling this major issue, joining a movement of companies empowering communities with solar energy.
At just six years old, Yetunde Fadeyi, now a 32-year-old green energy entrepreneur, witnessed the tragic loss of her best friend, Fatima, and her family due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator. This heartbreaking incident ignited Fadeyi's determination to combat energy poverty plaguing her community. After pursuing education and training in solar panel installation, Fadeyi founded Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability (REES) in 2017. Through REES Africa, she's provided solar energy to over 6,000 people in rural Nigeria, offering solutions to a critical need.
REES Africa implements solar microgrids, powering up to 100 homes each, fundamentally transforming the lives of those previously living without electricity. In communities like Aba-Oje, where darkness once prevailed, solar energy has enabled safer childbirths, extended working hours, and improved overall quality of life. For women like Mary Ojo, the ability to work into the evening without relying on kerosene lamps has opened new opportunities for economic empowerment.
Despite being Africa's top oil producer, Nigeria's energy access remains dismal, with over 92 million people living off-grid. Initiatives like REES Africa and Solar Sister are bridging this gap, not only providing clean energy solutions but also empowering women economically. Solar Sister, founded in 2009, trains women entrepreneurs to sell solar-powered products, offering economic independence while addressing energy poverty.
Challenges persist, notably financial barriers and government investment in renewables. Yet, entrepreneurs like Fadeyi and Professor Yinka Omoregbe, CEO of Etinpower, remain undeterred in their pursuit of scalable solutions. As Omoregbe asserts, the obstacles are opportunities for innovation and meaningful change.
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Great
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this is an inspiring project, thumbs up
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This is so inspiring. Thanks to REES Africa & Solar Sister for leading the way.
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By providing solar energy to rural Nigerian communities, initiatives like REES Africa and Solar Sister are not only addressing energy poverty but also empowering women economically, advancing the green agenda by promoting clean energy access and sustainable development. I'm proud of this
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@munene_mugambi I second you, women empowerment is of a great significance to our communities
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Dear Sarah Chabane Your climate love has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to REES Africa by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time
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Hats off to Fadeyi for her dedications and commitments, indeed investing in renewable energy is crucial step towards sustainable development
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@elizbeth_gathigia Absolutely, this is a great step in the right direction and we hope to see more of the same change towards addressing such societal issues.
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Yetunde Fadeyi's journey is truly inspiring! Her dedication to combating energy poverty in Nigeria, especially with a focus on empowering women through solar projects, is commendable.
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This is mega win for the environment as well as humanity. This is surely a noble investment that will go a long way in creating a sustainable environment.
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@joseph_githinji And a sustainable environment is our grand plan. Self sustainability within the confines that allow us and the planet to thrive
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Really nice