Project Details

General Information

Jaza Energy reimagines rural electrification by turning sunshine into a community‑owned service that powers prosperity while protecting the planet. At the heart of the system are modular, solar‑charged Hubs that arrive flat‑packed, assemble in one day with basic power tools, and immediately begin harvesting clean energy. Residents rent swappable battery packs (60 to 180 Ah) that drive lights, phones, fans, and storefront devices, eliminating toxic diesel fumes and the steep upfront costs that have long stifled basic human comfort and business opportunities.

Every Hub is locally manufactured and 100percent operated by women known as Jaza Stars. Through comprehensive training, they gain steady income, business fluency, and leadership visibility, catalyzing gender equity where economic pathways for women remain scarce. As customers recharge, so do communities: students study after dark, entrepreneurs extend productivity, and families save money and health.

Designed for scale and circularity, each battery is tracked, serviced, and eventually recycled, closing material loops. The subscription model fuels continuous expansion without external aid, proving climate action can be profitable, inclusive, and resilient. Jaza’s human‑centered design harmonizes people, society, and environment, transforming abundant sunlight into a virtuous cycle of energy access, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.

Creative Solution (Creativity/Innovation)

Jaza weaves sustainability, local empowerment, and cultural relevance into every layer of its design. Through ethnographic research and community co-creation, we developed solar-powered Hubs that meet real needs. Flatpacked for low-carbon transport and locally manufactured to create jobs, the Hubs install in a day with minimal tools. Their bright turquoise color references the Indian Ocean and Nigerian textiles, fostering local pride and visibility. This thoughtful integration of design, rapid deployment, and cultural storytelling creates a scalable, resilient model for sustainable energy access—one that reduces emissions while unlocking economic opportunity in even the most remote communities.

Social Impact (Inspiration/Impact)

Jaza transforms daily life by replacing polluting diesel and kerosene with clean, solar energy, cutting carbon emissions and improving respiratory health. Locally manufactured using reclaimed materials, each Hub minimizes environmental impact while maximizing community ownership. Operated entirely by women, with many entering the workforce for the first time, Jaza advances gender equity through training, income, and leadership. Portable batteries power homes, shops, and micro-enterprises, fueling education, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. This simple, circular system creates ripple effects across society: healthier families, stronger local economies, and more resilient communities. Jaza is a scalable blueprint for sustainable development in off-grid regions worldwide

Participation/Cooperation

Through on-the-ground interviews and fieldwork in Nigeria, we gathered deep user insights that shaped every design decision. We co-developed solutions with local manufacturers to align with regional capabilities and collaborated with cell tower operators to share land and reduce infrastructure costs, ensuring cultural relevance, economic viability, and long-term sustainability.

Vision for the Future

Jaza is more than an energy provider; it’s a catalyst for education, economic growth, and gender equality. Through human-centered design and an inclusive business model, Jaza is creating a future where every household, no matter how remote, has access to clean, reliable, and affordable power.