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Young and Bold: Tanyaradzwa Sonja Nago bringing solar innovations

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At just 21 years old, Tanyaradzwa Sonja Nago is already carving a path for herself as a bold and visionary entrepreneur in Zimbabwe’s energy sector. As the eldest daughter in a family of three, Tanya’s entrepreneurial journey took an unexpected turn when she was thrust into leadership at the helm of her father’s business following his passing in 2022.

Her father’s company, specializing in industrial lighting, solar energy, and electrical contracting, had been a cornerstone of the family legacy—but Tanya had no formal background in the electrical or solar industries. In fact, her education and interests had been rooted in the arts, with aspirations to pursue law.

Yet, faced with the challenge of stepping into his shoes, Tanya chose not to let uncertainty or her lack of technical expertise hold her back. Instead, she embraced the opportunity to learn and grow—determined to keep her father’s legacy alive and expand on his vision.

“So I got into business at the age of 18 right after I was done with my A-Level exams and when my dad passed away in 2022. He had a business Industrial Lighting and me being the eldest in the family, I had to take over the business and get work done.

“I had no knowledge whatsoever of lighting or electricals, solar or anything you could think of in the electrical sector.” She recalls.

From Art Student to Solar Entrepreneur

When Tanya first took over the business, she had no experience with lighting or electrical systems, but she was deeply motivated to learn. Starting with industrial lighting, which was the company’s core offering, she immersed herself in research, attending seminars, webinars, and networking events—locally in Zimbabwe and internationally—to understand the latest trends in lighting technology. As she gained confidence, Tanya found herself drawn to solar energy, a key component of the business. She was particularly intrigued by its potential to change lives in Zimbabwe, where access to reliable electricity is a significant challenge.

“So with solar and lighting I got to understand it more as I attended seminars and webinars here in Zimbabwe and out of the country, just to understand and to keep up with the trends, see what other companies are doing. What new solar trends are coming up? What new lighting trends are coming?” she reflects.

As she navigated through the complexities of the energy sector, Tanya’s self-taught knowledge and relentless pursuit of innovation began to pay off. She sought out the latest solar trends and emerging technologies, connecting with global players in the industry to understand what products and systems were transforming the market. This proactive approach helped her develop a deep understanding of solar energy, a field that holds enormous promise for Zimbabwe’s energy future.

Overcoming Challenges in a VUCA Market

Tanya’s entrepreneurial journey was not without its hurdles. As a young woman in a male-dominated industry, she faced skepticism from both employees and clients. Many of her father’s long-time employees left, unable to accept a young woman as their new leader. Some even questioned her ability to run the business, given her lack of experience in the sector. Tanya also struggled with the challenge of hiring the right talent, with some prospective employees dismissing her as just another intern. In meetings, she often encountered the question, “Are you the one in charge?”—a question that reflects the bias many young entrepreneurs face when they enter leadership roles.

“One of the biggest challenges I faced as an entrepreneur starting off, was that when I took over my dad’s business, I remember all the employees leaving because they couldn’t accept being led by someone, they had watched grow all their lives. The other fact that me being young and being a female, it also was a challenge for me because so many times you’d get into meetings and people would ask are you the one in charge, right?

“My other challenges were getting new employees because so many times when I tried getting interns, some would think I’m also an intern. In most cases people will shut you out because they think you’re very young even at networking events. I attend so many networking events, but some people will not even consider talking to you because they feel like you’re probably some intern some company send.” She speaks.

However, Tanya used these challenges as fuel to propel herself forward. She reframed her youth and gender as strengths, seeing them as opportunities to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table. Rather than shrinking from difficult situations, Tanya leaned into them, knowing that her vision and determination would ultimately define her success.

One of the most significant obstacles she faced was operating in a volatile business environment like Zimbabwe, where inflation and currency fluctuations make long-term planning difficult. In a country where conditions are constantly changing, Tanya had to adapt quickly, often revising her business strategies to keep up with external pressures.

Despite these setbacks, Tanya remained resolute. She joined the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a U.S. exchange program that helped her understand the broader landscape of business and gave her access to a global network of entrepreneurs. Through AWE, Tanya honed her business acumen and expanded her connections, opening doors to new projects and collaborations. She was also invited to serve on the board of the Munondida Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting entrepreneurial initiatives in Zimbabwe.

Innovating in Solar Energy

Tanya’s vision goes beyond simply continuing her father’s work. She is determined to drive innovation within the solar energy sector, especially in Zimbabwe, where reliable and affordable electricity remains a significant challenge for many. Her company is working on introducing cutting-edge solar technologies, such as systems that can be remotely monitored from her offices, allowing clients to track their energy consumption and system performance in real-time. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize how solar energy is used in Zimbabwe, improving efficiency and reliability while giving consumers more control over their energy needs.

Tanya is particularly excited about the potential of new solar systems and the evolving role of technology in the industry. At a recent solar convention, she was exposed to a wide range of innovative solar products and solutions, sparking her ambition to bring such technologies to Zimbabwe. While the solar market in Zimbabwe is competitive, Tanya believes there is an opportunity to introduce new products and services that can meet the unique needs of local consumers.

“If you look at the new systems, like the new solar systems that are being created now and how you can be able to monitor your solar systems from like if we install a system, where we’re also able to monitor it on behalf of our client at our offices and even get to connect with our clients via a live chat. So, it’s very exciting how technology just keeps evolving every now and then. So it’s something that I’m really excited about and I just hope that in Zimbabwe we really get to use such technology. I’m also hoping that my business gets to be one of the first businesses that bring in such technologies.” She speaks.

The Power of Resilience and Vision

Looking back on her journey, Tanya reflects on the lessons she’s learned. Entrepreneurship, she says, is not for the faint of heart. Every day requires God, self-motivation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to one’s vision. Through the ups and downs, Tanya a devoted Christian has come to understand that the key to success lies in prioritizing health and well-being, as a strong and healthy leader is essential to sustaining a thriving business. She has learned to be patient with herself, acknowledging that good things take time and that perseverance is essential for achieving her goals.

For Tanya, the journey has been about more than just business. It has been about embracing her role as a young female entrepreneur in Zimbabwe, a country that presents unique challenges but also offers immense opportunities for those who are willing to innovate. With her deep passion for solar energy and her commitment to sustainable development, Tanya is positioning herself to be a key player in the transformation of Zimbabwe’s energy landscape.

With 8 employees under her wings in Harare, Industrial Lighting continues to push boundaries and explore new technologies, and Tanya is not only building a successful business but also paving the way for a future where solar energy is a reliable and accessible resource for all Zimbabweans.

In the coming years, Tanyaradzwa Sonja Nago hopes to lead her company to the forefront of the solar energy industry in Zimbabwe, making her father’s legacy even more impactful while contributing to the country’s broader energy solutions. For Tanya, the sky is the limit—her journey has just begun, and her future looks bright.

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