In celebration of Women’s Day, our Female Founders Spotlight Series highlights inspiring women entrepreneurs who are driving change and creating impact in their communities. Today, we feature Sharon Yeti, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Powerlive Zimbabwe, a company dedicated to providing clean and affordable solar energy to underserved communities.
Sharon Yeti is a dynamic leader with over a decade of experience in business management, administration, and a deep understanding of development and climate issues. Her passion for renewable energy and women’s empowerment stems from her upbringing in a small town in Zimbabwe, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges women face in accessing reliable energy sources. Today, she channels that passion into Powerlive Zimbabwe, ensuring that women in underserved communities gain access to clean, affordable solar energy. With a strong commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and innovation, Sharon is determined to create lasting impact through sustainable solutions.
What is one pivotal moment in your entrepreneurial journey that changed the trajectory of your business?
Sharon: One of the most defining moments was receiving funding from the Energy Access Relief Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our business was at a critical juncture, and this funding allowed us to sustain operations when many others were forced to close. Then, in 2023, a top-up loan provided the necessary capital to scale up, expand our customer base, and attract additional investment. These pivotal moments reinforced my belief in perseverance and the power of strategic support.
How do you see your business contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future?
Sharon: At Powerlive Zimbabwe, we are committed to creating a more inclusive and sustainable future by integrating both women and men into the clean energy value chain. Our work not only provides access to affordable solar energy for rural and off-grid communities but also generates employment opportunities. By empowering women through entrepreneurship and job creation, we are tackling poverty while promoting gender equality in the renewable energy sector.
If you could give one piece of advice to female entrepreneurs seeking investment, what would it be?
Sharon: Never give up, and network as much as possible. The journey to securing investment is challenging, often requiring persistence, resilience, and continuous relationship-building. Many opportunities arise through connections, so actively engaging with investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs can open doors that may otherwise remain closed. Fundraising can be an arduous process, but the rewards of securing the right investment make it all worthwhile.
What were the biggest challenges you faced before SIMA’s investment, and how did they impact your business growth?
Sharon: Fundraising was our biggest hurdle, especially as a women-led startup. Without sufficient capital, we struggled to expand our team and secure inventory, which directly limited our market reach. The inability to scale efficiently stunted our business growth and slowed our impact. Access to financing was critical in overcoming these barriers and unlocking our potential.
Since receiving SIMA’s investment, what has changed for your company, and what milestones are you most proud of?
Sharon: SIMA’s investment was transformative for our business. We expanded our workforce, recruited more sales agents, and sustained operations without layoffs during COVID-19. Most importantly, we reached more underserved communities, empowering women to access clean and affordable energy. A milestone I am particularly proud of is enabling women to become entrepreneurs themselves—helping them generate their own income and create a better future for their families. Witnessing these women thrive fuels my passion and commitment to our mission every day.
Sharon Yeti’s journey exemplifies the resilience and determination of women entrepreneurs driving meaningful change. Through Powerlive Zimbabwe, she is not only providing clean energy solutions but also empowering women and fostering economic growth in underserved communities. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic support, and the impact of investing in women-led businesses. As we celebrate Women’s Day, we recognize and honor trailblazers like Sharon, whose vision and leadership are shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.