Rebecca Manzi Four "solar grandmothers" in Madagascar are revolutionizing rural electrification, bringing clean solar energy to villages where less than 15% have electricity access
In a remote corner of Madagascar, in the village of Ambakivao, a quiet revolution is underway, led by four extraordinary women: Remeza, Kingeline, Yollande, and Hanitra, affectionately nicknamed the “solar grandmothers.” In a region where less than 15% of the population has access to electricity, these women are transforming their community’s destiny through solar technology.
Until recently, village families relied on kerosene lamps – expensive, dangerous, and harmful to health. Today, thanks to solar lamps, evenings are illuminated by clean, safe light that allows children to study and adults to work even after sunset. This change not only improves quality of life but also contributes to environmental protection, reducing pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.
The journey to becoming solar engineers
It all began with a collaboration between WWF Madagascar and Barefoot College International, a school in India that trains women from rural areas as solar engineers. The four solar grandmothers spent six months in India learning how to design, install, and maintain solar systems. It was a challenging journey that gave them technical skills, but also self-confidence and a new role of leadership within their village.
The program extends beyond technical aspects: it also includes the creation of local committees for financial and organizational management of the project. This way, access to renewable energy becomes a shared and sustainable opportunity for the entire community.
Expanding across Madagascar
In the village of Ranomay, located in the country’s southwest, a group of women – the so-called Solar Mamas – is carrying out a similar mission, already benefiting over 150 families. Through this initiative, Madagascar now aims to train 744 women solar engineers by 2030, involving over 600,000 families.
The graduates, like Hanitra and Yollande, are now trainers themselves, demonstrating a virtuous circle of knowledge, empowerment, and sustainability. In a country where energy remains a luxury for many, the solar grandmothers are proving that innovation starts from the ground up and that the future is bright when women take charge of change.
Source: WWF
