About ElleSolaire
ElleSolaire is the first women-led, women-centred last-mile renewable energy organisation in Senegal, West Africa. Women from rural Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) are recruited, trained, and become entrepreneurs in the renewable energy field, distributing cutting-edge affordable solar technologies to off-grid communities, and lighting up homes and health and maternity clinics. To-date, ES has brought clean energy to 104,000+ people in their homes and/or health clinics, provided livelihoods to 1,520 rural women and trained over 105 women in clean energy entrepreneurship in Senegal.
What is ElleSolaire's vision?
ElleSolaire’s vision is for rural women to have the resources and opportunity to make their own choices and shape their future, breaking the cycle of poverty and leaving no women or girl in the dark by 2030.
What is ElleSolaire's mission?
ElleSolaire's mission is to empower and support rural women through solar entrepreneurship to address gender inequalities and energy poverty in Senegal.
What types of financial services does ElleSolaire provide?
ElleSolare finances solar inventory and additional income-generating opportunities through its microfinance institution partners for women entrepreneurs and their VSLA. Women entrepreneurs sell these solar technologies to rural customers on affordable Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) plans, supported by ElleSolaire, meaning customers pay an initial deposit followed by monthly instalments over 3-12 months.
Does ElleSolaire provide any training?
Rural women and girls are trained in entrepreneurship and solar management through the ElleSolaire Academy (ESA) which develops technical skills (solar products installation and after-sales service and digital capacities) and transversal skills (entrepreneurship, commercial, and financial) through a series of formal and experiential training interventions adopting a unique women-centred-design approach. Entrepreneurs are then supported through ongoing business support, coaching and access to finance.
ElleSolaire: Basic facts and figures (February 2023)
Full name: | ElleSolaire |
Established: | 2017 |
Total number of active loans: | 178 |
Proportion of loans given to women: | 50% |
Total loan portfolio: | US$6,627 |
Senegal: Basic facts and figures (August 2025)
Population: | 18.5 million* |
Currency: | West African CFA Franc* |
GDP per capita: | US$1,744* |
Inflation (GDP deflator): | 0.8%* |
Life expectancy: | 69 years* |
Percentage of population living on less than $3.00 a day: | 17.9%* |
Human Development Index Ranking: | 169 (out of 193 countries)** |
Population using safely managed drinking water | 27%*** |
Infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live births): | 31**** |
Percentage of adults with a bank account: | 60%**** |
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