The Energy and Environment Partnership Trust Fund (EEP Africa) has awarded M3.5 million (212 253 Euros) to help the Energy Research Centre (https://erc.nul.ls/) and OnePower Lesotho (https://1pwrafrica.com/) partnership to advance inclusive and productive use of energy through a women-led productive use of electricity company (PUECO) in Lesotho. The PUECO will support the creation of women-owned local enterprises and develop a last-mile supply chain for energy efficient appliances in three communities served by OnePower solar mini-grids. The PUECO will provide local women entrepreneurs with training and starting capital to become anchor customers for the mini-grids. Local women will also be recruited to retail energy efficient appliances. EEP Africa financing will help to pilot this model and demonstrate the value of integrating a PUECO with mini-grid construction.
The project will support 12 women entrepreneurs to create energy-enabled businesses in three communities, serving a population of more than 5,000 people. The project also aims to distribute over 450 energy efficient appliances and create 40 new jobs, with 70% earmarked for women.
“If successful, this model will be replicated and scaled-up to 10 new minigrids that OnePower is developing in Lesotho.” Said the happy Founder and CEO of OnePower Lesotho, Dr Matt Orosz.
