12 STONES

This year's theme is "Girls'Vision for the Future," emphasizing the urgent need for action and the hopeful aspirations of girls globally amidst various challenges such as climate change, conflict, and poverty. The cascading benefits of investing in girls remain largely unrealized, with millions of girls facing discrimination, exclusion and oppression. Violence and other violations of rights threaten girls’ empowerment. Adolescent girls disproportionately face threats of intimate partner violence, early pregnancy and harmful practices, contributing to poor mental and physical health, including sexual and reproductive health. At 12 STONES we believe we must work to safeguard and uphold the rights of adolescent girls, especially those at risk of being left behind – such as those living through chronic poverty and protracted conflicts. Every adolescent girl has the right to exert agency over her body and future. Let’s build a more just and equal world in which girls are safe to grow, and their rights and choices are recognized and respected. #Servingsmes #servingafricatogether #girlsvisionforthefuture

Its world International Peace Day. World Peace Day, also known as International Day of Peace, is an annual observance celebrated on September 21st. It is a day dedicated to promoting global harmony, understanding, and the absence of war and violence. As we reflect on this years theme , "cultivating a culture of peace" the significance of World Peace Day lies in its ability to bring attention to the importance of international cooperation, peaceful coexistence, and the pursuit of a more just and equitable world. #IDP2024 #internationaldayofpeace #servingsmes #servingafricatogether #renewableenergy #consolidatingrenewableenergyadaptationandinnovationforSMEs

⛳ Dive into our Bertoua rural-based SME Energy Survey Week. During my recent visit to Bertoua, I conducted a comprehensive survey aimed at identifying the key energy constraints impacting women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the rural zones of Bertoua.  The survey sought to gain a deeper understanding of the specific challenges these businesses face in accessing reliable and affordable energy sources, which are crucial for their day-to-day operations and growth.  As we entered the interview, we encountered a very interesting young lady named Gertrude in Ndumbi, Bertoua. Gertrude, 33, owns a tailoring shop called "Point," which helps her support her younger siblings back at home. ⛳ "Gertrude shared her challenges regarding stable energy supply. On a typical day, she can produce 3 outfits using her machine, which relies on electricity. However, when a power outage occurs, it lasts for at least 3 hours, making it impossible for Gertrude to meet her daily target. In such conditions, she can only produce 1.5 outfits by pedaling the machine manually. Gertrude has found it difficult to work at night since power supply is largely unavailable during those hours, which diminishes her resistance  to adopt renewable energy sources for the benefit of her business." Through detailed interviews and data collection, the assessment revealed several critical issues, including intermittent power supply, high energy costs, and limited availability of alternative energy solutions tailored to the needs of women-led , rural based SMEs. . The findings from this survey will serve as a valuable resource in informing policy decisions and targeted interventions to address the energy-related barriers hindering the success and expansion of women-led SMEs in these rural areas. The insights gained will be instrumental in guiding the development of sustainable, inclusive, and effective strategies to support the long-term viability and competitiveness of these enterprises. ⛳ Stay on the lookout for more on our September newsletter SOLAR NATION LIMITED-UGANDA The Tony Elumelu Foundation AEC African Energy Week Energy Convos UNDP The World Bank UNICEF Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Ene Leo YALI West Africa Alumni Cameroon @USAID Berkeley Energy Cameroon Corporation - BECC Proparco Asahi Pompey ONEPlanET #servingsmes #servingafricatogether #renewablenergy #ruralbasedsmes #womenledsmes #Bertoua

Exciting experiences on the way 🎉 Bertoua Rural-Based Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Energy Survey Week.It's always great to visit the eastern region of Cameroon and experience its rich soil and long sunny days. This week, we are in the field to engage with and uncover the deep energy challenges faced by #womenledSMEs in the #ruralareas of Bertoua. Make sure to read our September newsletter so you can be part of the conversation, and your voice can help shape energy policies for women business owners in this area. #womenledSMEs UNDP Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH UNICEF Proparco GroFin World Bank Development Economics African Development Bank Group YALI West Africa Alumni Cameroon Uganda Solar Energy Association ONEPlanET #servingSMEs #Servingafricatogether #ruralbasedSMEs #youthledSMEs #womenledSMEs #Bertoua #EastRegion #Cameroon

Happy new month green stakeholders ⛳ Advocating for inclusive policies that address the unique energy challenges faced by women-led, youth-owned, and rural-based SMEs holds profound benefits. By ensuring equitable access to sustainable energy solutions, these enterprises can unlock their full potential, driving economic growth and social progress. Such inclusive policies not only empower marginalized communities but also foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and equitable energy landscape. Through a deliberate and targeted approach, policymakers can create an enabling environment that nurtures the success of these enterprises, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. 📲 Talk to us : isaac@12stonesbd.com +237 697 63 18 46 UNDP UNU-WIDER - United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research Proparco The World Bank ITC SME Trade Academy #renewableenergy #servingsmes #servingafricatogether #womenledsmes #youthownedsmes #ruralbasedsmes

Conversations on SME-ENERGY-EDUCATION with 12stones ☘ ♻ The significance of educating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on renewable energy sources cannot be overstated. As the backbone of many economies, SMEs play a crucial role in driving economic growth and sustainability. By fostering an understanding of renewable energy options, SMEs can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also reap the financial benefits of adopting more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly energy solutions. This knowledge empowers SMEs to make informed decisions, contributing to the collective effort towards a greener future and a more resilient economic landscape. Ultimately, educating SMEs on renewable energy sources is a strategic investment that yields dividends for both individual businesses and the broader community. Proparco Tony Ssimbwa The Tony Elumelu Foundation USAID GroFin United Nations Uganda Solar Energy Association Energy Convos BPI: Business Partners International Kiva Joseph Osawaye ONEPlanET Renewables Now Ltd GE Renewable Energy Renewable Energy Alaska Project #servingSMEs #servingAfricatogether #smeenergyeducation #enablingadoption #advocaywith12stones #renewableenergy

Check out our recent memo on building capacity by SMEs to enable renewable energy adoption. Proparco ONEPlanET The Tony Elumelu Foundation GroFin USAID Acumen International Rescue Committee BPI: Business Partners International UNDP Uganda Solar Energy Association Uganda Solar Energy Association Energy Convos

We are thrilled to welcome Cho Brandone as our IT Specialist. Brandone joined on the 1st of August as our IT Specialist, where he will be supporting 12 stones web and tech developments. Brandone brings with him over 4 years of experience as a web and app developer. He has worked with companies such as Hebron Global , Kwanga Advertising and IYO driver Central Africa, both on-site and remotely. He holds a professional BSc in Network and Telecommunications from the university institute of the Gulf of Guinea in Douala. He is also certified as a Google IT support specialist and a corporate administration specialist among others. We are excited to have Brandone on board and look forward to the valuable contributions he will make to our team. Cho Brandone #ConsolidatingenergyinnovationandadaptationforSMEs #ServingSMEs #ServingAfricaTogether #renewableenergy

World Humanitarian Day - holds profound significance for young Africans, serving as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to promote compassion, empathy, and a commitment to the greater good. As the future leaders of the continent, young Africans are uniquely positioned to amplify the message of this observance, championing the values of human dignity, social justice, and the alleviation of suffering. This day underscores the importance of civic engagement, volunteering, and advocating for marginalized communities, ultimately fostering a more just and inclusive Africa. By embracing the spirit of World Humanitarian Day, young Africans can contribute to the realization of a more equitable and resilient continent, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow. World Human Organization World Humanitarian Forum USAID UNICEF UNDP #worldhumanitarianday #servingSMEs #servingafricatogether #renewableenergy

Upcoming developments!! A Chinese firm is set to establish a solar panel manufacturing and assembly plant in Punjab, following am agreement signed in Lahore. This agreement was signed between Punjap industry minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain and Alex Heng President of the company's South Pacific Region. This agreement includes the construction of the province's first solar panel production facility and a solar panel testing laboratory. This initiative aims to boost local solar energy capabilities and support sustainable development in Punjap. If you are an SME , reach out to us via isaac@12stonesbd.com for consultations on Solar energy adaptation and capacity building. #Renewableenergy #Servingsmes #servingafricatogether #China #Panjap #Solarenergy