UNDP and WCCIMA Empower Women-led Agroprocessing Entrepreneurs with SOSAI’s Cutting-Edge Solar-powered Technology.

Abuja, 2nd December 2024 – Sosai Renewable Energies is proud to announce its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Women in Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (WCCIMA) to empower women-led MSMEs across Nigeria.
This investment, valued at over ₦83 million, falls under UNDP’s broader HerAfCFTA programme, specifically the HerFacility component, which equips women entrepreneurs with the resources, financing, and strategic support needed to thrive sustainably. By enhancing the production capacity of agro-products, the intervention empowers women-led enterprises to scale operations, improve product quality, and increase competitiveness in local and regional markets, unlocking new opportunities for trade, revenue generation, and long-term economic growth.
As a past finalist of the EU-UNDP Growth Stage Impact Ventures (GSIV) program, Sosai Renewable Energies was selected to provide state-of-the-art agro-processing machinery to four women-led business clusters with a membership of over 600 women. This initiative aims to enhance productivity, improve product quality, and expand market access for these businesses.
The beneficiaries of this support include:
Tayaza Shea Women Cooperative Society, who will receive an oil-pressing machine to process shea, sesame seeds, black seeds, tiger nuts, and baobab.
Brandprenuer Mentorship Foundation, to be provided with an industrial dehydrator and slicing machine for processing dried fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Ekam Garri Processing Industries, who will receive two garri milling machines to enhance cassava processing capabilities.
Ibiade Garri Cluster, to be equipped with a garri fryer to scale up large-scale production.
Habiba Ali, CEO/Founder of Sosai Renewable Energies, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This purchase is a significant step towards supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable development. We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to future collaborations.” She added that “this purchase is a well needed influx into our turnover and places Sosai in the right place to offer more of such support to other growing organizations”.
Commenting on the decision to partner with Sosai Renewable Energies for this intervention, Ms. Clare Henshaw, National Programmes Specialist at UNDP Nigeria, stated, “Empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable livelihoods are central to UNDP’s mission and align closely with the Sustainable Development Goals. Collaborating with Sosai Renewable Energies, a past finalist of our GSIV initiative and now a leading force in sustainable energy solutions, underscores our commitment to fostering innovative and impactful ventures. This partnership reflects our dedication to building on the successes of previous initiatives and ensuring that our beneficiaries are empowered to continue thriving.”
Through this initiative, Sosai Renewable Energies reaffirms its commitment to increasing access to clean energy sources to drive sustainable development in Nigeria. By providing these women-led business clusters with advanced technology, Sosai Renewable Energies, in collaboration with UNDP and WCCIMA, is contributing to economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
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About SOSAI
SOSAI Renewable Energies Company was set up in the year 2004 with the idea of using market-based strategies to address the issues of Poverty and Rural/Community development as regards access to Energy, Clean water and ensure positive livelihoods.
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme works globally to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development initiatives. In Nigeria, UNDP partners with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and local communities to create inclusive opportunities and build resilient societies.
About WCCIMA
The Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (WCCIMA) is dedicated to empowering and advancing women in Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture. WCCIMA’s commitment is to enhance women’s participation in these sectors. Through strategic initiatives, advocacy, and collaboration, the chamber aims to create a dynamic platform that not only fosters economic activity but also serves as a powerful advocate for women’s interests in the business world.
For Media Inquiries, please contact:
Habiba Ali
ha****@******en.org

Christabel Chanda-Ginsberg
ch************************@**dp.org

Jean Andy-Orlu
ad***@****ma.ng