Jaza Energy Hubs, created by the Nigerian‑based studio Nonfiction Design, have quickly become a model of clean, affordable energy for off‑grid villages. The project showcases a modular solar hub that can be shipped flat, unpacked and assembled in a single day with only basic tools . Each hub generates enough electricity to run lights, phones, fans and small shop equipment, replacing costly and polluting diesel generators and kerosene lamps.
The hubs are installed in Gambari, Oyo State, Nigeria, where they began operating in July 2024. The goal is ambitious: 500 hubs nationwide, each serving dozens of households . Residents rent swappable battery packs ranging from 60 Ah to 180 Ah, allowing them to charge devices at home or on the go. Because the batteries are interchangeable, users never have to wait for a long charge cycle; they simply swap a depleted pack for a fully charged one at the local hub.
Designer Name: Nonfiction Design
What sets Jaza apart is its focus on people, not just technology. Local women, called “Jaza Stars,” are trained to run the hubs, manage the battery rentals and maintain the solar panels. The training provides stable income, business skills and a leadership role that many women in rural Nigeria have never had. By putting women at the center of the operation, the project advances gender equity while creating reliable jobs in communities where opportunities are scarce.
Sustainability is built into every stage of the hub’s life cycle. The structures are made from reclaimed materials, and each battery is tracked, serviced and eventually recycled, forming a closed‑loop resource system. The subscription‑based model means the hubs can expand without continuous external funding, allowing the network to grow organically as more households join.
The social impact is measurable. Households that switch from diesel to solar report lower fuel expenses and fewer health problems linked to indoor air pollution from kerosene lamps. Children can study after dark, and small entrepreneurs can keep shops open longer, boosting local economies. Early data indicate a noticeable drop in carbon emissions as the hubs replace fossil‑fuel generators.
Beyond the immediate benefits, Jaza Energy Hubs illustrate how design can solve everyday problems while fostering community resilience. The flat‑pack design reduces shipping costs and makes it possible to reach remote villages that traditional grid extensions cannot. The battery‑rental system removes the barrier of upfront capital, letting families pay only for the energy they use. And the women‑led management model creates a ripple effect, inspiring other community‑based enterprises.
As the hubs multiply across Nigeria, they offer a glimpse of a future where clean power is not a luxury but a shared resource. By blending renewable technology with social entrepreneurship, Jaza Energy Hubs are lighting homes, powering dreams and proving that sustainable design can be both practical and empowering.
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