ESMAP - Energy Sector Management Assistance Program’s Post

Today, we are celebrating another one of our portfolio companies, WidEnergy Africa Ltd, a company founded and led by Liliane Munezero Ndabaneze Chabuka and operating in #Zambia. Dedicated to ensuring the last mile distribution of clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions, what's makes WidEnergy stand out is its focus on inclusivity and transforming lives of people living in hard-to-reach areas, especially women-led households. WidEnergy mission is “to empower women to become the champions and advocates of clean energy, so that African women and girls could have access to clean affordable and sustainable energy for lighting and cooking, and could take advantage of energy access to live better, with positive impact on health, education and household income." The following is just one of the many stories demonstrating the impact WidEnergy is having in Zambia: “Mari Mazyopa, a determined 14-year-old from Matopola village in Chipangali district in the Eastern province of Zambia, balances her daily chores and her role at her family’s local shop with her studies. Using a d.light solar home system which her mother bought on Paygo from WidEnergy, Mari turns the shop into her nighttime study area. This setup allows her to prepare for her Grade 7 exams in a quiet environment, utilizing the sustainable light to focus on her studies after hours. Mari’s aspirations go beyond her personal success; she is driven by a desire to inspire other girls in her community by demonstrating the value of education and perseverance. Her mother’s investment in solar technology not only supports Mari’s educational goals but also opens up many more opportunities for her and her whole family. Mari envisions herself as a future leader and role model, demonstrating that with dedication and the right tools, young girls can overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.” To date, 3,657 female-headed households in rural Zambia have had improved electricity access due to WidEnergy. Moreover, WidEnergy has impacted over 55,000 women directly and over 253,000 women indirectly. Through its work, WidEnergy contributes directly to the following seven #SDGs: #SDG1 (No Poverty); #SDG3 (Good Health and Wellbeing); #SDG4 (Quality Education); #SDG5 (Gender Equality); #SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation); #SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and #SDG13 (Climate Action) You can learn more about WidEnergy here and reach out if you would like an introduction to the Team: https://lnkd.in/e9gp__bu #womenentrepreneurs #womenleaders #womenchangemakers #intersectiongenderandclimate #genderlensinvesting #smartinvesting #impactinvesting

#Let us #guide and #support our #youth because they are our #tomorrow and our #hope. #International #Youth #Day, aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of young people to society while also drawing attention to the challenges they face. Each year, the day is marked by various events and activities, focusing on themes relevant to youth issues such as education, employment, and mental health. It serves as a platform for young people to voice their concerns, advocate for change, and engage with policymakers and communities in addressing global and local challenges. #InternationalYouthDay #YouthDay #YouthEmpowerment #YouthVoices #YouthLeadership #YouthActivism #YouthForChange #YouthEngagement #futureleader #globalyouth #renewableenergy #solarefficiency #solarenergy #greenenergy #Durable #bondingstrength #Lowshrinkagerate #Renewableenergy #cleanenergy #sustainable #solarpark #solarpv #solarmodules #solarpanels #solarpanel #multicrystalline #M10 #G12 #monoperc #efficiency #topcon #hjt #rooftopsolar #climatechange #eva #evasheet #evafilm #encapsulants #crystaltec #crystaltechnologies #solarcomponent

⚡ Amid a global energy crisis, affordable and clean energy emerged as a top priority in our 2024 Global Youth Outlook survey, which engaged 2,200 children and young adults from diverse global regions. However, this is also one of the top goals for which respondents feel most disempowered —24% indicated "I would like to support the goals but cannot act on it." This highlights a crucial opportunity for governments to engage and empower youth. Discover why youth engagement is essential to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as their voices, ideas, and energy are critical to creating a sustainable future for all: https://pwc.to/3Aem2d5 #Energy #Sustainability #Youth #SustainableDevelopmentGoals

Clean energy for development The Clean Energy for Development: A Call for Action (CEDCA) initiative seeks to fill important knowledge and capacity gaps in the clean energy field in the Global South. The initiative comprises 12 projects in 27 countries across the world, including in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and Uganda. Une énergie propre pour le développement L’initiative Énergie propre pour le développement : un appel à l’action (CEDCA) vise à combler d’importantes lacunes en matière de connaissances et de capacités dans le domaine de l’énergie propre dans les pays du Sud. L'initiative comprend 12 projets dans 27 pays à travers le monde, notamment au Kenya, au Malawi, en Afrique du Sud et en Ouganda.

⚡ Energy communities are often presented as a way to counter some of the injustices of the current energy system. Nevertheless, many initiatives are still perceived as white, middle-class, middle-aged, male-dominated investor clubs and struggle to become more accessible to a broader segment of society. 📘 To address this issue, the #SCCALE203050 project published a guide with tools and tips for increasing the inclusivity and diversity of energy communities. Find out more about it in this article available in six different languages: French, English, German, Italian, Polish, and Spanish.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶-𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 panel. Heather Swan, PEng, MCIP, RPP, PMP, from Indigenous Community Engagement (ICE), is moderating the conversation about Reconcili-Action plans in clean energy. . . . #ILPF2024 #IndigenousLeadership #CommunityPartnerships #IndigenousPeoples #indigenousPartnerships #SustainableDevelopment #IndigenousReconciliationActionPlan #ReconciliationActionPlan #cleanenergy

⚡Only 5 days to go until we launch the Inclusivity Strategic Outlook 🤝 Together with our partners Ashden, Transforming Energy Access, Chatham House, and Global Refugee-led Network (GRN) we're taking a step towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. 🔍 We'll be exploring needs, identifying gaps, and uncovering opportunities for displaced people. This launch is more than an event; it's a journey towards positive impact. https://lnkd.in/eBVn_sYH #HumanitarianEnergy #RefugeeInclusivity #InclusivePolicies #InclusiveHumanitarianWork

What we really need for a (gender-)just energy transition 💡 🧐 Have you read our Article of the Month yet? Women and girls are still disproportionately affected by energy poverty. While ambitions for inclusive solutions are high, funding and political will are lagging behind. In our article of the month, Tjarda Muller from ENERGIA - International Network on Gender and Sustainable Energy outlines criteria for a gender-just #energytransition 👇 #justtransition #womensmonth #InternationalWomensDay

Youth voices matter. For sustainable development, it’s crucial to include young people in shaping government policies. We are calling on the government across all level to ensure youth are part of the decision-making process. Together, we can build a more inclusive future. #Youth4GreenEco #IYD2024

#Youth as present and future leaders, their voices is crucial in guiding the world energy transition. It’s important to build their capacity and provide them with the financial support needed to expand their advocacy and innovative solutions. Read more how UNDP is placing youth first in the just #energy transition 👉 bit.ly/SEHBulletin8 🌎 #EnergyForDevelopment ⚡️