Partnering with the non-profit educational organisation Barefoot College International, DP World is funding the training of women from rural Senegal as solar energy and maintenance technicians.

After completing their training, the 'solar mamas', as they are known, can install, maintain and repair solar-powered infrastructure in their local communities, as well as set up micro-enterprises and train new women from their communities to do the same.

The first ten women undertook a total of 663 hours of training, learning things like financial literacy as well as practical solar engineering skills. They come from poorer backgrounds and are mostly illiterate, with the hope being they go back to their communities and demonstrate their skills to the communities, while furthering female empowerment. Also, upon return a solar system is sent to the village for the 'solar mama' to assemble, install, maintain and repair when necessary.

"As a responsible corporate citizen, DP World strives to improve the lives of the communities in which we operate, guided by our sustainability strategy's legacy pillars in women, education and water," said Mohammed Akoojee, chief executive and managing director of sub-Saharan Africa DP World. "We are deeply humbled by the impact our 'solar mamas' are making in their communities."

The first phase of the project has seen 532 households electrified with solar, which translates to about 6,000 direct beneficiaries saving as much as 30% on their monthly energy costs.

One Sustainable Company Awards judge called it a "good corporate initiative with a local skills provider. Impact at various levels as this programme brings in skills essential to the community, increasing uptake of micro-level green energy and at the same time addresses issues of women empowerment and financial independence."

"Inspiring project to train women solar engineers. Breadth of positive impacts is impressive," added another.

The initiative addresses two of DP World's three legacy pillars, women and education, and impacts on 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.