COVID-19 Solidarity Fund for Women Entrepreneurs

Project

ENERGIA COVID-19 Solidarity Fund for Women Entrepreneurs

Project status

Completed

Core countries

Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania

Project aims

Supporting women entrepreneurs of the Women’s Empowerment and Clean Energy (EWEE) program to recover from the business disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to build resilience and growth in their enterprises.

Many of the women’s incomes significantly dropped during the pandemic due to limitations on selling, disruptions in supply of stock and other challenges, alongside additional childcare burdens and other financial stresses that they faced.

Activities and impacts: Women entrepreneurs were supported through working credit, cash disbursements or product credits to revitalize and boost their businesses during the pandemic. The funding was typically used for purchasing or replacing machinery and equipment, replenishing their stocks, and in some cases, for upgrading electric wiring systems in their enterprises for increased safety.

The women were also supported to adopt new technologies such as smartphones and tablets, and received digital trainings for increased future business success, income and growth. This provided them with invaluable access to information (including information on COVID-19), and helped them to develop new networks and reach new customers, as well as engage in new marketing and financing opportunities, including the use of mobile banking and other digital services.

“I was able to open a barbershop where I use solar, it has enabled me to complement income earned from my improved cookstove and solar business.”
Dorcus Mutashi Alumbe, Entrepreneur, Kenya

“I have gained 9 customers so far through WhatsApp, enabling me to earn more.”
Millicent Achieng, Entrepreneur, Kenya

“It (the phone) means my business will no longer be limited to where my legs can reach”
Anonymous Entrepreneur, Solar Sister