Fransisca Nartey, a 26-year-old aspiring entrepreneur from Ghana, developed a keen interest in electrical work at a very young age. Growing up, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that made her educational journey challenging. As the firstborn among her siblings, her parents at one point almost gave up on her education due to concerns about her health.
Despite these difficulties, Fransisca remained resilient and determined to pursue her dream of becoming an entrepreneur in Ghana’s electrical sector
During her first year in secondary school, Fransisca enrolled in an informal electrical apprenticeship near her campus. Balancing school and apprenticeship work was exciting rather than difficult for her, even though she was the only girl in the program. She continued with the apprenticeship throughout her three years in secondary school, building both her confidence and technical expertise.
After completing secondary school, she enrolled in an all-girls institution focused on empowering young women to enter male-dominated industries. Her dedication earned her a scholarship to pursue the Professional Advanced Course in Solar at the Don Bosco Training Institute. Out of a class of 40 students, only three were women, Fransisca being one of them.
After graduating in 2021, Fransisca worked with several electrical companies for about two years. However, like many young technicians, she later struggled to find consistent opportunities and remained unemployed for nearly a year.
Her breakthrough came when she heard about AyaSol Seed through her former lecturers at Don Bosco Training Institute, who had kept in touch with her due to her exceptional performance during training.
AyaSol is a flagship initiative by Swisscontact that creates a dynamic ecosystem for youth-led solar entrepreneurship in Ghana. By combining technical training, business incubation, financing, and market access, the initiative helps young professionals transition from skills acquisition to sustainable business ownership.
Through its three components, AyaSol Seed, AyaSol Grow, and AyaSol Agent, the programme provides a structured pathway for young people to launch, grow, and scale solar enterprises, while contributing to Ghana’s clean energy transition.
Reflecting on her decision to join AyaSol Seed, Fransisca shares:
“I have always yearned to own my own electrical shop. I am elated because this time around this isn’t just any electrical shop, but a solar shop that contributes to the environment. After working under people for years, it was exciting to take this opportunity to own my own shop.”
Since joining AyaSol Seed, Fransisca has begun establishing her solar business and engaging customers in her community. She notes that many people are increasingly curious about solar products, often asking questions and showing interest in adopting clean energy solutions.
Her journey has also become a proud milestone for her family. Her mother and grandfather were especially excited when they first saw her shop, and they now call her regularly to check on how the business is progressing. Their support continues to motivate her to keep pushing forward.
Fransisca remains optimistic about the future and expects her business to become profitable in the coming months. Through determination, resilience, and the right support system, she is steadily transforming her long-held dream into reality.
Her story reflects the broader impact of AyaSol Seed, empowering young people not just with skills, but with the tools, confidence, and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods while contributing to Ghana’s growing renewable energy sector.