Running a business without electricity is quite the challenge. Like Mr. Dida’s barber shop was on the brink due to the unreliable generator or Mrs. Bati who struggled to keep her coffee warm, her dreams simmering alongside her brew.  What seems like a daily convenience is a luxury  that whose absence can stifle potential.

Then came a spark of hope: Caritas Switzerland offered a 50% subsidy for a new solar technology called Powerblox (PBX).  Mr. Dida and Mrs. Bati, along with a few others, joined forces, transforming their struggles into a thriving Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE).

Their secret weapon? Five strategically placed Powerblox (PBX) units. The once-unreliable barber shop is now a haven of clean cuts and bright lights.  Mrs. Bati’s coffee simmers contentedly under the gentle hum of the solar panels.  But their reach extends beyond their shops.  They’ve become the village’s shining star, offering mobile phone charging, renting light bulbs to households for a modest 100 birr a month (13 households benefit already!), and even illuminating the path forward for the community’s children.

In their three business locations, they’ve carved out free study spaces, complete with late-evening lighting and complimentary Wi-Fi. This act of generosity, a rarity among MSEs in Ethiopia, highlights their commitment to giving back.

The impact extends beyond the shop walls.  Mr. Dida, with his two wives, six children, and four extended family members, can finally look to the future with confidence.  Mrs. Bati can better support her husband and child, along with their six relatives.  Mr. Kura finds solace in knowing his wife, seven children, and two extended family members are well cared for.  Even the youngest, Mr. Kiya, who lives with his mother and five siblings, feels a newfound security.

Initial reservations about the unfamiliar technology quickly vanished. The Powerblox (PBX) units have proven to be reliable, user-friendly, and require minimal maintenance.  Even occasional power shortages on foggy days are a minor inconvenience compared to the constant struggle they faced before.

With their initial investment covered by Caritas Switzerland’s subsidy, the group is already making monthly payments towards full ownership.  Debt-free, they dream big.  Refrigerators hum in their plans, promising cold drinks for the entire village.  This MSE, born from struggle and powered by the sun, is a beacon of hope, illuminating not just their shops, but the lives of their community.