Youth Day of Service (YDoS)

The Youth Day of Service (YDoS) is a pan-African initiative led by LEAP Africa that transforms the energy and creativity of young people into purposeful community action in commemoration of the International Youth Day. Now in its sixth year, the campaign continues to move beyond celebration into meaningful impact, fostering youth-led change across the continent.

As part of this year’s YDoS, LEAP Africa, in partnership with Dow and Moon Innovations, launched the Solar-Powered Market Stalls Initiative, a transformative project designed to empower youth and women entrepreneurs through access to clean, reliable solar energy.

Piloted at Alagbole Market, along the Lagos-Ogun axis, the project powered 10 existing market stalls, bringing sustainable energy solutions to informal traders.
Seven (7) stalls were equipped to power refrigerators, fans, lighting, and phone charging stations, while three (3) stalls were powered for lighting and fans only, targeting businesses engaged in frozen food sales. Additionally, solar-powered streetlights were installed across the market to enhance safety and extend trading hours, fostering a safer and more productive environment for vendors and customers alike.

Beyond electrification, participating vendors received financial literacy and small business management training, empowering them to manage their enterprises effectively and sustain growth over time. The project also contributed to community well-being through a market cleanup exercise, reinforcing the YDoS spirit of volunteerism and collective action.

This initiative reflects LEAP Africa’s enduring commitment to youth empowerment, sustainable development, and community innovation. Through collaborative partnerships and youth-led action, we continue to build a future where clean energy powers opportunity and progress across Africa.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue to champion this movement of transformation and impact.