Solar Mini-Grid Powers Economic Growth As Kwara Business Owner Plans to Further Education

Adamu started his salon business in 2015 in Bwen, a community in Kwara State that, at the time had no access to electricity from the national grid. Like other residents and local business owners, Adamu relied solely on a generator to power his business, which came with high fuel costs and maintenance challenges.

“Sometimes, we’d buy 2 litres of fuel for about N2,000, and it would only last a day,” he recalls, describing the challenges of running his salon before the arrival of stable electricity in Bwen.

In 2022, Havenhill Synergy deployed a 16kW solar mini-grid in Bwen, marking a new era for the community. As with many other communities powered by Havenhill, the presence of clean, reliable, and constant electricity significantly improved the standard of living. For Adamu, this change had a profound financial impact. He went from spending large sums on fuel to saving money by purchasing electricity units.

READ ALSO: Local Entrepreneur’s Life Improves With Solar Mini-Grid: “We Now Sleep Comfortably”

“These days, if you recharge N2,000 on your meter, it lasts us about two weeks,” he shares.

With reduced expenses and reliable power, Adamu’s salon has flourished. He has even expanded, purchasing a grinding machine to start a second business. His personal life has also improved – Adamu started a family and has been able to support them. 

But Adamu’s ambitions don’t stop there.“I plan to further my education. I’m confident that even if I go back to school, I’ll still earn enough from the business to pay my school fees,” he says optimistically.

Adamu’s story is one of many that highlight how Havenhill’s solar mini-grids empower communities. By boosting businesses and transforming lives, our efforts go beyond providing electricity, paving the way for sustainable development. Discover more inspiring stories in the Beyond Electrons series here.

Beyond Electrons is a series highlighting real-life impact stories that showcase how Havenhill’s mini-grids are electrifying homes, and businesses and transforming lives.

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