Jaza Energy Hubs Illuminate Nigeria’s Villages and Empower Women

Jaza Energy Hubs, launched in July 2024 by the Nigerian design studio Nonfiction Design, are transforming how off-grid villages in Nigeria access clean and affordable energy. These innovative solar hubs, designed to be modular and easily assembled, enable communities to replace expensive diesel generators and kerosene lamps with a sustainable power source. Each hub provides sufficient electricity to operate lights, charge phones, and power small business equipment.

Located in Gambari, Oyo State, the project aims to establish 500 hubs nationwide, each capable of serving multiple households. Residents utilize swappable battery packs, available in sizes ranging from 60 Ah to 180 Ah, allowing them to charge devices at home or while on the move. This system eliminates long charging times; users can simply exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at their local hub.

Empowering Women Through Employment and Leadership

A distinctive feature of the Jaza Energy Hubs is their commitment to social empowerment, particularly for women. Local women, referred to as “Jaza Stars,” are trained to operate the hubs, manage battery rentals, and maintain the solar panels. This training not only equips them with essential business skills but also provides stable income and leadership opportunities, a rarity for many women in rural Nigeria. By centering the project around female leadership, Jaza is contributing to gender equity while creating jobs in communities with limited economic prospects.

Sustainability is integral to the Jaza Energy Hub initiative. The hubs are constructed from reclaimed materials, and the battery packs are tracked, serviced, and eventually recycled, creating a closed-loop resource system. The subscription-based model allows for organic growth, enabling the network to expand as more households join without relying on ongoing external funding.

Significant Social Impact and Community Resilience

The social benefits of Jaza Energy Hubs are substantial. Households that transition from diesel to solar energy report reduced fuel costs and fewer health issues associated with indoor air pollution from kerosene lamps. Children can study after dark, and small business owners can extend their operating hours, positively impacting local economies. Preliminary data indicates a significant reduction in carbon emissions as these hubs replace traditional fossil-fuel generators.

Jaza Energy Hubs exemplify how thoughtful design can address everyday challenges while bolstering community resilience. The flat-pack design cuts shipping costs and facilitates access to remote villages that conventional grid extensions often overlook. Furthermore, the battery rental system lowers the initial financial barrier, allowing families to pay only for the energy they consume.

As Jaza Energy Hubs proliferate across Nigeria, they represent a future where clean energy is accessible to all, not just a privileged few. By merging renewable technology with a strong focus on social entrepreneurship, Jaza Energy Hubs are illuminating homes, powering aspirations, and demonstrating that sustainable design can be both practical and empowering.