In the male-dominated field of renewable energy, Sharon Yeti is a shining example of what it means to be a pioneering female entrepreneur. As the founder of Powerlive, a Zimbabwe-based company that specializes in providing solar energy solutions, Sharon has proven that with determination and resilience, anything is possible.
Powerlive Zimbabwe is a pioneering energy company on a mission to revolutionize the way communities in Zimbabwe access energy. With a bold vision to become the leading energy provider in the country, Powerlive is dedicated to generating clean, safe, and sustainable energy solutions that empower women and their communities. By providing affordable and reliable solar energy solutions, the company aims to bridge the energy gap in Zimbabwe, fostering economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. Through its innovative approach, Powerlive Zimbabwe is illuminating a brighter future for communities across the country, and Sharon is at the forefront of that innovation.
Born and raised in the small town of Zvishavane, Sharon’s journey to becoming a leading figure in the renewable energy sector was not without its challenges. “I was born into a family of girls and understood the responsibilities and challenges of being a woman,” she recalls. “I always knew that I would find a way to make a difference in the lives of women, and that opportunity came through solar energy.”
Sharon’s passion for renewable energy was sparked by the realization that women are often the primary users of solar energy products, yet they are rarely involved in the energy value chain. “I thought that women needed to be included in the energy value chain,” she explains. “We started working with women as sales agents, which worked very well. Having a woman sell to another woman united them, built trust, and inspired others to see that selling and installing solar energy products wasn’t just a man’s job.”
However, her journey was not without its challenges.
Since launching Powerlive, Sharon has encountered various obstacles, including resistance from rural communities who were initially hesitant to adopt solar energy solutions and overcoming biases as a female entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated field. “Being a woman in a technical industry, I was viewed as doing a man’s job,” she recalls. “I had to appeal to the fathers, husbands, and brothers first to get their permission, which eventually worked well as I highlighted the benefits of getting extra income in the household.”
Sharon also learned that, as an entrepreneur, it is of great importance to be resilient, a trait she believes cannot be overstated. “Business is unpredictable. Take, for example, what happened with COVID in 2020. A lot of businesses were affected and failed to bounce back after that.”
“The ability to adapt and bounce back from setbacks is also crucial. This understanding shapes my approach to leadership by promoting an environment of persistence and flexibility, encouraging my team to embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities for growth,” said Sharon.
Pushing past the adversities
Despite these challenges, Sharon has achieved numerous successes in her work. Some of these notable successes include partnering with organizations such as EEP Africa and SIMA to distribute solar systems and solar water pumps. “We managed to distribute over 6,500 solar home systems and over 250 solar water pumps to different homesteads across the country, impacting over 20,000 beneficiaries,” she proudly notes. “We have also worked with SIMA, who were very supportive, especially just after COVID. Their assistance was instrumental in helping us stay afloat and avoid shutting down because of a lack of sales in 2020.” Through her company, Sharon has also helped approximately 200 women entrepreneurs initiate their own income-generating projects.
These achievements have not only demonstrated the impact of Powerlive’s work but have also taught Sharon valuable lessons about perseverance and adaptability. As she reflects on her journey, Sharon emphasizes the importance of resilience and strategic networking for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to enter the renewable energy industry with limited resources.
“Be resilient, network extensively, and take advantage of available funding opportunities,” she advises. “There is a lot of funding being channeled toward the energy industry both locally and internationally. You have to make sure you attend webinars and network extensively because it is through these networks that you get assistance.”
The renewable energy sector continues to evolve, and entrepreneurs must adapt in order to stay relevant. “The major trends in the renewable sector include digitization, energy-efficient integrations, and solutions that overcome the intermittency in renewable energy production. For these reasons, the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Energy (IoE) are emerging as popular trends, in addition to innovations in renewable energy sources,” added Sharon. By sharing her insights and experiences, she hopes to inspire and empower others to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact in the renewable energy sector.
What’s next for Powerlive?
As for Powerlive, Sharon is excited about the company’s recent venture into clean cooking. “We are very excited about our innovation and cannot wait to show it to the world,” she says. This new venture is a natural extension of Powerlive’s mission to provide sustainable energy solutions to rural communities. By expanding into clean cooking, Powerlive aims to reduce the reliance on traditional cooking methods that are hazardous to health and the environment.
Sharon is confident that this new innovation will have a significant impact on the lives of women and children in rural areas, who are often the most affected by indoor air pollution. With this new venture, Powerlive is poised to make an even greater difference in the lives of the people they serve.
Sharon’s story is a great example of what can happen when one refuses to give up and continues working toward their dreams. As a pioneering female entrepreneur in the renewable energy sector, she is lighting the way for other women to follow in her footsteps.