Tanzania's Women Entrepreneurs to Benefit from Expanded Clean Energy Initiative

Hundreds of women entrepreneurs in Tanzania are set to benefit from an expanded clean energy initiative following a renewed partnership between the Puma Energy Foundation and Solar Sister. The collaboration aims to address Tanzania's persistent energy access gap, where over half of the population still lacks electricity and depends on harmful fuels such as firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking and lighting. The partnership has already trained and supported 579 women entrepreneurs, equipping them with digital skills and tools such as smartphones to help boost sales and reach off-grid communities.

Key Takeaways:

• The Puma Energy Foundation and Solar Sister have partnered to address Tanzania's energy access gap, with a focus on empowering women entrepreneurs with clean energy solutions.
• The partnership was launched in 2023 under the Puma Energy Foundation's Business Booster Programme, and has already trained and supported 579 women entrepreneurs.
• The second phase of the partnership will recruit and train 500 more women across three new regions, provide 200 with advanced digital business skills, and distribute 16,000 solar products, including 2,000 clean cookstoves.
• The goal of the partnership is not just to sell energy products, but to empower women with confidence, financial independence, and a respected voice in their households.
• The partnership aims to reach an additional 85,000 Tanzanians with renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and improve health outcomes.
• Women entrepreneurs supported through the partnership have seen improved sales and revenue, with some reporting a 30% increase in business revenue.

Statistics:

• 579 women entrepreneurs have been trained and supported through the partnership as of 2023.
• 500 more women will be recruited and trained in the second phase of the partnership.
• 200 women will be provided with advanced digital business skills in the second phase of the partnership.
• 16,000 solar products will be distributed, including 2,000 clean cookstoves.
• The partnership aims to reach an additional 85,000 Tanzanians with renewable energy.
• 50% of Tanzania's population still lacks electricity, relying on harmful fuels for cooking and lighting.

Sources:

• "Tanzania's women entrepreneurs to benefit from expanded clean energy initiative" - The Citizen, October 20
• "Puma Energy Foundation and Solar Sister Launch Business Booster Programme" - Solar Sister, 2023.