TOTAL NIGERIA, MURTALA MUHAMMED FOUNDATION PARTNER TO EMPOWER WOMEN, YOUNG GRADUATES ON SOLAR TECHNOLOGY MARKETING

Women who have been identified as string peer influencers, young graduates, especially those posted to remote Northern Nigerian states to serve under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and trusted Community leaders have been earmarked for membership of the Awango Resellers Club (ARC), an initiative by Total Nigeria in partnership with the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) to empower the people in isolated areas in need of special intervention using Solar technologies.

This is part of the implementation of the Last Mile strategy designed to expand the last mile distribution channel in isolated areas where the core target market for Awango by Total resides.

As part of the implementation strategy, a revolving loan scheme will also be provided to members where Solar Lamps worth N75, 000 to N100,000 is given on credit to ARC members to be refunded in four to five months.  In addition to the support of the Total Nigeria Sales Team, other supports include re-sellers manual, flyers, and other marketing supports that will be provided to create awareness and stimulate demands.

Total Nigeria is partnering with Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), an indigenous non-profit Organisation dedicated to the socio-economic development of Africa to manage the development and technical support of ARC in the Northern Region of Nigeria.

So far, 120 start-up members have been earmarked for the first phase of recruitment and training. MMF will be responsible for conducting entrepreneurship training for members while Product knowledge training will be conducted by the Solar Services team of Total Nigeria Plc.

Total Nigeria was the recipient of a £100,000 Solar grant awarded by the Solar Nigeria Programme, an initiative of the United Kingdom’s Department for International Department (DFID). The grant was designed to scale up markets for Solar systems in Nigeria, especially in the Northern part of the Country. Selection for this award was based on credibility of the Solar marketing plan and demonstration of viable Solar business models.

Receipt of full installment of grant payment is however based on adequate implementation of marketing plans proposed. Total Nigeria had effectively shown execution of plans including setting up of Awango Resellers Club, provision of translated marketing materials, etc. As a result, Total Nigeria have received two installments of grant cumulatively amounting to £75,000.