In Madagascar, where most rural areas lack electricity, women trained as solar technicians are bringing safe and sustainable light to hundreds of villages, improving health, education, and livelihoods.
- Over 130 women trained to install and maintain solar power systems
- Nearly 80% of households in a pilot village now have electricity
- Program aims to reach 630,000 households by 2030
What happened
Women solar technicians in Madagascar are tackling one of the country’s toughest challenges: the pervasive lack of electricity. With nearly 84% of the population and over 95% of rural residents living without access to the electrical grid, remote communities have long relied on hazardous kerosene lamps, which contribute to respiratory ailments, fire risks, and financial burdens due to expensive imported fuel.
Supported by the Barefoot College National Programme and WWF, these women have been trained—often with little formal education—in applied solar technology. Utilizing innovative teaching methods, they install and maintain solar energy systems within their communities. In one village, these efforts have electrified nearly 79% of households, dramatically improving quality of life by providing reliable and safe lighting.
Why it feels good
Replacing kerosene lamps with solar lighting has multiple benefits. Families now enjoy cleaner indoor air, reducing health risks caused by smoke. Children can study after dark, boosting educational opportunities and community development. The shift to solar power also frees families from the ongoing cost of kerosene and batteries, generating significant savings.
The project empowers women as leaders and technicians, fostering self-reliance within communities. Many trainees are older women who tend to remain in their villages, ensuring that knowledge stays local and continues to benefit neighbors long-term. Additionally, the program provides training in business skills, helping women expand economic activities such as extending fish processing into evening hours, increasing household income.
What to enjoy or watch next
Launched in partnership with Madagascar’s Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons, the program is steadily expanding. It now includes complementary lessons on women’s empowerment and reproductive health alongside technical training. The goal is ambitious: equipping 744 women technicians and lighting up 630,000 households by 2030, potentially reaching millions who currently live without electricity.
This initiative represents a scalable model for sustainable energy access in other developing regions. Watching how these communities evolve with reliable power, improved health, and greater economic opportunities is inspiring and a reminder of the power of grassroots solutions to global challenges.