From candlelight to solar power in Liberia: Kebbah boosts education and grows her business
When the sun set in Gbarpolu county, so did Kebbah’s livelihood. The single mother of two boys runs a small shop in front of her home. In it, she sells cane juice, alcoholic drinks, and basic provisions like onions, pepper, and butterballs. But without affordable lighting, Kebbah was forced to close early, losing valuable income while her children struggled to study by dim candlelight.
Gbarpolu County, in northwestern Liberia, is one of the most underserved regions in the country. Many of its remote communities face high poverty levels, poor infrastructure, and extremely limited electricity access. Most households like Kebbah’s depend on costly, temporary solutions like candles, phone flashlights, or small dry-cell torches. These unreliable sources of light did little to meet families’ needs for studying, productive work, or nighttime safety
Solar systems at affordable prices
This began to change when the Government of Liberia togteher with EnDev tintroduced a blended demand-side (DSS) and supply-side subsidy (SSS) programme in the community. This initiative is an opportunity to gain access to electricity for many households struggling with energy costs. The DSS, provided under the RBF, is funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and bridges the affordability gap by offering solar systems at reduced prices through community-based distributors. Customers can pay in flexible monthly amounts as low as 800 Liberian dollars (approx. 3,80€). The funding is part of a global DSS component piloting innovative DSS mechanisms to facilitate access to modern energy services for low-income and/or displaced populations who are not currently reached by commercial markets. This is complemented by the World Bank funded supply-side subsidies which is allowing companies to expand into hard-to-reach markets. For families like Kebbah’s, this opened new opportunities.
Kebbah transforms her life with solar power
Kebbah seized this opportunity and purchased a solar home system, transforming her life—and that of her sons—for the better.
“Now I have light for my home — for safety at night — and I can keep my shop open longer to earn more money,” Kebbah says with a smile. “My son can also study for school.”
Kebbah’s 10-year-old son, Jangeh, is now thriving. Each evening, he sits under the warm glow of their solar lamp, working through his schoolbooks. For the first time, he can study in the evenings, and his dream of becoming a teacher feels within reach.
The benefits go beyond education. With her shop now open into the evening, Kebbah earns more income, helping her to better support her family. The added light also brings peace of mind: her household is safer and no longer at risk from open-flame candles.
Now I have light for my home — for safety at night — and I can keep my shop open longer to earn more money. My son can also study for school.
Kebbah, Liberia
Solar market growth in Gbarpolu County
Kebbah’s story echoes across Gbarpolu. Before the DSS projct, there was only one company operating in Gbarpolu county, and sales of solar home systems were minimal. Today, due to the subsidies, business development support and awareness raising provided by the Government of Liberia and EnDev, more than five companies are actively selling solar systems. In Gbarpolu alone, over 4,000 solar units have been sold, a clear shift in the accessibility and adoption of solar energy.
For women entrepreneurs like Kebbah, clean, affordable energy has been transformative. It has brought security, economic opportunity, and a brighter path for the next generation. With every evening sale and every well-lit evening of study, she and her family are building a future where resilience and opportunity go hand in hand.
