What the Project Is
Women’s Initiative for Delivering Clean Energy to Africa (Widenergy Africa Ltd) is a women-led company, registered in Zambia, dedicated to the last-mile distribution of clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions. Founded under Zambian law in September 2016, the organization was co-founded by two passionate women, Liliane Munezero Chabuka and Agnes Imasiku, alongside BiziSol – a Sweden-based social for-profit enterprise. The intent? Simply put, to empower African women and girls by providing them with clean energy for lighting and cooking that can truly transform lives. This is about more than energy: it’s about creating opportunities that can have a positive impact on health, education, and overall household income. It’s a mission wrapped in purpose and led by extraordinary women.
Main Benefit
The project delivers several key benefits that are hard to overlook:
- Reliable last-mile distribution of clean energy solutions.
- Empowerment of women to become champions and advocates of clean energy.
- Access to affordable and sustainable energy, fostering positive impacts on health and education.
- Growth from a cash-on-delivery distributor of Pico solar products to a Playful Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) asset-backed financing company.
- A strong commitment to transparency and accountability with a robust whistleblowing policy ensuring that any concerns are treated with utmost confidentiality.
Commitment to Accountability
Widenergy Africa Ltd prioritizes accountability in every step of its operations. The whistleblowing policy is a vital part of this commitment – it guarantees protection for employees, agents, customers, partners, vendors, and the public. In practice, this means that any report of misconduct or concern is thoroughly reviewed and investigated by either the Head of HR or the CEO, all under the oversight of a designated ombudsperson. When issues arise, a Fact Finding Committee (FFC) or HR representative might be appointed to ensure every inquiry gets the fair treatment it deserves. This transparent approach ensures that there is zero tolerance for retaliatory actions – direct, indirect, or any sort – thus reinforcing the trust that the community places in the organization.
Empowering Women in Clean Energy
At its core, the organization’s mission is to empower women by enabling them to take the lead in clean energy advocacy. It is all about creating an environment where African women and girls can gain access to clean, sustainable energy options essential for lighting and cooking. This is not only a basic service but also a cornerstone that supports crucial improvements in health, educational advancement, and increased household income. The vision that emerges from this mission is clear: a world where energy access is a catalyst for change, contributing to overall improved quality of life and driving community progress… driving change, one clean energy solution at a time.
Evolution of the Business Model
The entrepreneurial journey of Widenergy Africa is filled with notable milestones. Originally, the company started out as a cash-on-delivery distributor of Pico solar products – a humble beginning that laid the groundwork for larger ambitions. Over time, recognizing the changing dynamics of energy consumption and financing in Africa, the company transitioned to a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) asset-backed financing model. This agile movement not only enhanced financial accessibility for households but also cemented the organization’s role as a pivotal player in the clean energy sector. It’s a story that speaks to innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
Ensuring a Safe Reporting Environment
In today’s dynamic business environment, where transparency and open communication are paramount, the importance of a secure reporting process cannot be overstated. The reporting process at Widenergy Africa is straightforward yet effective: all whistleblowing reports are treated with a high degree of confidentiality and anonymity, unless legal disclosure is required. This process reassures everyone involved that raising concerns comes without fear—no discrimination, no disadvantage, no retaliation. The message is clear: every voice matters, and every report is valued as a step towards a more ethical and accountable operation.
Project Impact
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – By enabling women to lead the clean energy revolution, the project strongly contributes to gender equity.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Ensuring access to sustainable energy solutions makes a tangible difference in everyday life.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing – The use of clean energy directly supports better health outcomes by reducing air pollution and associated diseases.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Through improved household income and safer study environments, energy access promotes better educational outcomes.
- SDG 1: No Poverty – The economic empowerment that comes from energy access fosters pathways out of poverty, lifting communities.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the journey of this initiative seems set to continue in an inspiring trajectory. There is a sense of anticipation and dynamism as the project melds innovative energy solutions with an unyielding passion for social impact. By leaning into both its technological evolution and its deep commitment to community responsibilities, the initiative is poised to widen its influence further. Imagine a future where every village and every household enjoys the benefits of clean energy – a future where women not only benefit from the energy revolution but also drive it, creating ripple effects that extend to all sectors of society. It’s a future built on trust, innovation, and the genuine desire to improve lives – and it is unfolding one clean energy solution at a time.
