GEA, Mastercard greenhouses target 17,000 jobs for women, youths
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe Global Energy Alliance (GEA) and Mastercard Foundation have introduced a solar-powered greenhouse initiative in Enugu to modernize agriculture and address energy poverty. The project, implemented by MANAMUS Electric, aims to empower 17,000 women and youths through sustainable, off-grid farming infrastructure.
Context & Background
- ✦The initiative addresses energy poverty in Nigeria by providing renewable energy solutions, such as solar-powered water pumps and cold storage, to un-electrified farming communities.
- ✦The Enugu state government has approved a policy to integrate these clean energy agricultural systems into 260 farm estates, with each estate dedicating one percent of its land to the project.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Chianda Njogu, Director for Powering Opportunity in Africa at GEA, emphasized the role of the facility as a model for modernizing African agriculture.•Charles Aliozo, co-founder of MANAMUS Electric, confirmed a state pilot target of 150 greenhouses and noted the ₦10.5 million cost per unit.
Outlook & Next Steps
The project is currently focused on the Enugu state pilot, with plans to scale through the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to electrify 300 million people, and continued integration into the state's 260 farm estates.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- The Global Energy Alliance (GEA) and Mastercard Foundation launched the Energising Women and Youths in Agrifood Systems (EWAS) programme to create 17,000 jobs.
- The initiative utilizes solar-powered greenhouses and cold storage technology to modernize agriculture in off-grid communities like Ugwuomu-Nike, Enugu.
- A lease-to-own model is being implemented to help smallholder farmers overcome the ₦10.5 million cost associated with greenhouse infrastructure.
Key Facts:150 greenhouses: The Enugu state pilot project aims to establish 150 greenhouses and two cold box stores.End of November: Participants in the Donum Dei Cello Cooperative expect their first harvest of bell peppers.₦10.5m: The cost of a single greenhouse unit is ₦10.5 million.
Editorial Excerpt
The Global Energy Alliance and Mastercard Foundation have launched a solar-powered greenhouse programme in Enugu to create 17,000 jobs for women and youths
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the primary goal of the EWAS programme?
The programme aims to create and improve jobs and livelihoods for 17,000 youths, with a specific focus on young women, by integrating renewable energy into agrifood systems.
How does the project plan to scale beyond philanthropic funding?
Scaling will require a combination of private sector investment, government funding, and collaborations with institutions like the World Bank and SMAP through the Centre of Excellence for Productive Use of Energy.
