LEAP Africa, in collaboration with Dow and Moon Innovations, has unveiled the Solar-Powered Market Stalls empowerment programme aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and women vendors while encouraging the adoption of clean energy and fostering inclusive economic growth.
The initiative was first piloted at Alagbole Market, a busy border community along the Lagos–Ogun corridor, in celebration of the 2025 Youth Day of Service (YDoS). Activities carried out during the pilot included site assessments, installation of solar systems, vendor training, and community sensitization campaigns.
During the pilot phase, 10 existing market stalls were electrified using clean solar power. Seven of these stalls were outfitted to operate refrigerators, fans, phone charging stations, and lighting, while three stalls received solar setups designed for lighting and fans only. Additionally, solar-powered streetlights were installed to enhance nighttime safety and extend trading hours within the community.
“This initiative underscores our shared dedication to clean energy adoption, inclusive growth, and community empowerment — impacting one stall, one entrepreneur, and one market at a time,” stated Adebisi Adeoti, Managing Director of Dow, West Africa. He emphasized that beyond electrification, vendors were also provided with training in financial literacy and small business management to ensure sustainability and enhanced income-generating opportunities.
Kehinde Ayeni, Executive Director of LEAP Africa, explained that the Youth Day of Service, now in its sixth year, is intended to channel the creativity and leadership of African youth into community-led service initiatives.
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“This solar-powered project goes beyond simply powering stalls; it is about powering aspirations, supporting small enterprises, and creating an environment that allows young entrepreneurs and women to flourish,” Ayeni added.
Michael Osumune, Founder of Moon Innovations, further described the programme as a scalable framework for supporting informal traders:
“By integrating clean energy with entrepreneurship support, we are creating a replicable model that can be implemented across Nigeria and beyond.”
The Youth Day of Service (YDoS) has grown into a pan-African movement that shifts the focus of International Youth Day from mere celebration to tangible community action, with past editions executed in partnership with organizations such as Lagos Food Bank, 8th Gear, and Trash to Treasure.
The Solar-Powered Market Stalls initiative represents a significant step in combining sustainability, entrepreneurship, and community impact, positioning young people and women at the forefront of inclusive economic growth.
