LEAP Africa, in partnership with Dow and Moon Innovations, has launched the Solar-Powered Market Stalls empowerment programme to support young entrepreneurs and women vendors while promoting clean energy adoption and inclusive growth.
The initiative was piloted at Alagbole Market, a bustling border community along the Lagos–Ogun axis, in commemoration of the Youth Day of Service (YDoS) 2025. Activities included site assessments, installation of solar systems, vendor training, and community awareness campaigns.
As part of the pilot phase, 10 existing market stalls were electrified with clean solar power. Seven stalls were equipped to power refrigerators, fans, phone charging stations, and lighting, while three stalls were fitted with solar setups for lighting and fans only. In addition, solar-powered streetlights were installed to improve nighttime safety and extend trading hours in the community.
“This effort reaffirms our collective commitment to clean energy adoption, inclusive growth, and community empowerment — one stall, one entrepreneur, and one market at a time,” said Adebisi Adeoti, Managing Director of Dow, West Africa. He noted that beyond electrification, vendors also received financial literacy and small business management training to ensure sustainability and improved income opportunities.
Kehinde Ayeni, Executive Director of LEAP Africa, explained that the Youth Day of Service, now in its sixth year, is designed to harness the creativity and leadership of African youth through community-led service.
“This solar-power initiative is more than just powering stalls; it is about powering dreams, supporting small businesses, and creating an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs and women to thrive,” Ayeni stated.
Adding to this, Michael Osumune, Founder of Moon Innovations, described the programme as a scalable model for empowering informal traders:
“By combining clean energy with entrepreneurship support, we are setting a model that can be replicated across Nigeria and beyond.”
The Youth Day of Service (YDoS) has become a pan-African campaign that shifts the focus of International Youth Day from celebration to practical action, with previous editions implemented alongside partners such as Lagos Food Bank, 8th Gear, and Trash to Treasure.
The Solar-Powered Market Stalls project represents a step forward in merging sustainability, entrepreneurship, and community impact, while positioning young people and women at the center of inclusive economic growth.
