Train young women in the solar industry

Train young women in the solar industry and help them create businesses in the renewable energy field

Benin has a low electrification rate in rural areas (18.3% in 2019 according to the World Bank) and imports most of its energy from Nigeria, which is a fossil fuel source. Vocational training is a key issue for the economy and for Benin's young women who are prey to unemployment and insecurity. To promote economic integration, WOMEN OF AFRICA (WOA) will rely on the potential of solar energy in terms of training, markets and jobs.

The WOMEN SOLAR ACADEMY (WSA) is a WOA initiative conceived and designed in 2020, as an extension of the solar electrification project of the CEG of Pahou in Benin (5500 students). It consists in the creation of a training center in electricity and installation of photovoltaic systems, allowing access to employment and creation of digital businesses for young women.

This project provides access to quality digital education and access to decent work. It contributes to the empowerment of women and the reduction of inequalities. The beneficiaries of the project are young women (between 16 and 25 years old) with a school level equivalent to the 1st/Terminale classes. The training lasts 18 months and alternates between school classes and work in a company. One of the goals is to enable students to reach a level equivalent to a Certificate of Professional Aptitude (CAP) in electricity after 6 months, and then to improve their knowledge in the fields of solar and photovoltaic systems, sustainable development, and digital business creation.

The WOMEN SOLAR ACADEMY, whose first pilot center will open in Benin, contributes to the achievement of SDGs (3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13) by offering:

• Access to quality education in electricity and solar energy for women
• Access to and development of clean and sustainable energy to fight against global warming
• Empowerment of women and development of female leadership
• A reduction in the energy divide in the territories
• Access to decent work
• Development of economic growth through the creation of innovative businesses using digital technology.

Five future WSAs will be opened in 5 countries within 5 years with the objective of training and integrating 5000 women on the continent.