LocationsFrom Uncertainty to Opportunity: How Clean Energy is Rewriting the Future in Fass Village
September 18, 2026
The air in Fass village, nestled deep within the vibrant Central River Region North of The Gambia, carries a distinct, inviting warmth. It hums with the relentless, shimmering brilliance of the afternoon sun, smelling faintly of fine dust, sun-baked earth, and the rich, life-giving currents of the Gambia River. Life here is defined by community, resilience, and a forward-looking momentum, a shared rhythm of hard work, bright laughter, and deep connection to the land.
Today, an exciting new chapter is unfolding through the winding paths and neat compounds of Fass. It is a story driven by innovation, community spirit, and a bright, clean vision for the future.
At the beating heart of this transformation is Jarra Yarboe.
When Jarra first stepped into the technical world of solar technology, she approached the equipment with the focused curiosity of a true pioneer. Solar installation was a dynamic, fast-growing field, and mastering the intricate details of circuits, voltages, and wiring was an empowering challenge. Every step forward was a testament to her determination and intellect.
Rather than holding back, she leaned fully into her potential.
“Even though I was nervous during the initial stages, I kept going. All I needed was to trust myself,” Jarra reflects, her voice steady, carrying the quiet, resonant pride of someone expanding her horizons. “All I needed was to trust myself, and in no time, I was speaking up like never before. Right now, I am not just a better installer but a better version of myself.”
Jarra’s personal growth is part of a larger, inspiring national wave catalyzed by the UNDP Climate Promise Initiative. This initiative is designed to champion local leadership, ensuring that The Gambia’s flourishing green economy is built hand in hand with its talented women and young people. Through this programme, five youth- and women-led enterprises have each received grants of US$35,000 to develop innovative renewable-energy solutions responding to the needs of communities across The Gambia. This financial support was complemented by technical assistance and expert guidance to help the enterprises turn their ideas into sustainable clean-energy solutions.
One of those visionary sparks took root through the Mbolo Association, led by Ms. Adama Bah and Ms. Ida Camara. Mbolo Association is widely recognized for its “Fandema” (Self-Help) Project, which supports vulnerable women and girls through skills development, entrepreneurship training, and access to renewable energy technologies.
In the heart of Fass village, Adama and Ida introduced a brilliant, empowering solution: Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) renewable energy model.
The PAYG is designed to make affordable solar energy more accessible to households and growing local enterprises. By allowing families to invest in energy over time, it removes financial barriers and unlocks boundless economic potential.
With clean and reliable indoor lighting, homes are brightened as children open their books to study comfortably long after the sun has set. At the same time, enterprise is empowered as small local storefronts hum with modern efficiency, extending operating hours and expanding economic horizons for families. Most importantly, women lead the transition by stepping into high-skilled technical roles, actively shaping and wiring the future of their communities.
For communities like Fass, the expansion of affordable and reliable solar energy creates cascading benefits that enrich everyday life. It supercharges local businesses, elevates household well-being and opens wide economic doors for youth and women. It is a proactive step toward a thriving, inclusive green economy built on local ingenuity.
Ultimately, the Climate Promise support is a celebration of Gambian innovation. It is also about investing in Gambian innovators and equipping them with the skills, resources, and technical support needed to develop solutions that respond to local needs and realities.
For Jarra, Adama and Ida, this journey proves a powerful truth: when women are given the tools, trust, and opportunities to lead, they construct something extraordinary. They build lasting prosperity, unshakeable confidence, and a future that shines as brightly and powerfully as the midday sun over the Gambian landscape.
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