Meet Safiya Aliyu, the General Manager at Sosai Renewable Energies, a passionate advocate for sustainable development and women’s empowerment in Nigeria. Through her leadership, Sosai Renewables has transformed communities through the distribution of solar lanterns, solar home systems, mini-grids, improved cookstoves, and renewable energy solutions for productive use.
Q: Can you tell us about Sosai Renewable Energies and its mission?
[Safiya]: Sosai Renewable Energy aims to bridge the energy gap and promote rural development through affordable and sustainable renewable energy solutions. We aim to empower communities and create economic growth while preserving our environment. We are committed to distributing low-cost, high-impact renewable energy technologies.
Q: How has Sosai Renewable Energy impacted the communities it serves?
[Safiya]: Our focus is on increasing the accessibility and affordability of solar solutions for consumers. To date, we have distributed 25,000 solar lighting solutions, over 150,000 improved cookstoves, 7 mini-grids, 29 solar dryers and several solar irrigation pumps, solar freezers and solar fridges for commercial use in communities by our women groups. We have impacted over 1 million lives in the communities we serve, bringing sustainable energy solutions to those in need.
Q: How has your journey in solar energy been, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry?
[Safiya]: Being a woman in the solar energy industry has been challenging but rewarding. While there’s been progress in awareness, advocacy, and training for women, it has remained a male-dominated industry. We work twice as hard to make a difference, and seeing progress is heartwarming.
Q: How do you balance your professional and personal life?
[Safiya]: I enjoy spending time with my kids and family. Raising my children is a source of fulfillment. My daily routine involves waking up early, preparing meals, dropping my kids at school, and balancing work with family responsibilities. I also volunteer as the Treasurer of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria and as the Assistant Communications Officer (North) for Techwomen Nigeria. Sosai Renewable Energy supports working mothers like myself, providing flexibility and an accommodating work environment.
Q: How has Angaza played a role in your success with Sosai Renewable Energies?
[Safiya]: Angaza has been instrumental in making our products accessible and affordable. With Angaza’s platform, customers can pay in installments, reducing the risk of bad debts. Their outstanding customer service and user-friendly platform have been invaluable to us. Before using Angaza, bad debts posed a significant challenge, but their platform has simplified the process, making it easier to address this issue. We also appreciate the user-friendly interface, prompt responses from their team, and excellent customer service at Angaza.
Accessibility and affordability are crucial for us, especially for customers earning less than a dollar. Angaza plays an essential role in achieving this through its installment payment option.
Q: What are your future plans with Angaza?
[Safiya]: We plan to distribute about 10,000 units of solar solutions in the next 12 to 18 months. Angaza’s support will be integral to our success as we strive to achieve sustainable development and energy access for all.
About Sosai Renewable Energies
Sosai Renewable Energy is committed to providing affordable and sustainable energy solutions to communities in Nigeria. Our diverse portfolio includes solar lanterns, mini-grids, and renewable energy products designed to create economic growth and improve livelihoods.
Founded in 2010, Sosai Renewable Energy has become a leading force in the renewable energy sector, driven by our passion for positive social impact and environmental preservation. We believe in the power of renewable energy to transform lives and build a brighter future for all.
