Bridgitte Alideze

Nigerian entrepreneur who pioneered solar energy distribution networks empowering women in rural Africa

Bridgitte Alideze is a visionary social entrepreneur from Nigeria whose work through Solar Sister has revolutionized access to clean energy in sub-Saharan Africa. Since launching the organization in 2008, she has created a decentralized network of over 6,500 clean energy entrepreneurs - 90% of whom are women - who now serve millions across 14 African countries. This innovative model transforms women from energy consumers into business owners, breaking cycles of poverty while replacing dangerous kerosene lamps with solar lighting systems. Alideze's approach combines gender empowerment with environmental sustainability, achieving a 95% customer retention rate and reducing CO2 emissions by 1.3 million tons annually. Her work has been recognized by the Skoll Foundation and Forbes' 30 Under 30 list. Key partnerships include collaborations with UN Women and the Clinton Global Initiative, leveraging technology platforms like M-Pesa for microfinance integration. By embedding her enterprise within local cultural frameworks, Alideze demonstrates how scalable social businesses can address systemic inequities while delivering measurable climate impact. Her TED Talk The secret to clean energy in Africa? Women has over 2 million views, amplifying global awareness of this transformative model.