Today we set out to visit Modibo Traore. He is 45, works as a welder and lives in Djoliba. When we arrive at his property, there is a hustle and bustle. We cross the yard and stop in front of his workshop. There is a lot of activity today. Young men are hauling pieces of metal. Instructions are hurriedly shouted to each other and the welding machines create a high noise level.
A tall man approaches us. “Salam Aleikum,” he greets us! “Sorry for the noise, but today is busy, we can sit around the corner here and do the interview.” We follow him. Our first question is how he built his business.
"Oh, the welding shop is a family business. My family has worked here for generations. My great-grandfather was already welding here. Of course, back then there was no electricity and he just repaired tools for the crops. My father then had electricity through a diesel generator and was able to repair other things. And I was able to establish something completely new in Djoliba through your electricity."
Since Modibo was 7 years old, he looked over his father’s shoulder and learned everything from him. Then, at 15, he worked permanently in the family business. He also worked for several years in Libya and learned new techniques there, which he also integrated here after his return to Djoliba.
Now Modibo has a lot of responsibility. He is the main provider for his extended family. The income from the farm even enabled him to build a house for the family a few years ago, and his siblings appreciate his support. Family means everything to Modibo.
Throughout the village, Modibo is appreciated for his good work, ambition and reliability. Everyone treats him with respect. We also notice this during our visit.
He is a board member of Djoliba’s Craftsmen Association and is asked for advice when difficulties arise.
"It's nice that people here appreciate my work. I love my job and know that I am good at what I do. For me, welding is not a job, it's my passion, my life. I do it first and foremost to help the people here, not to make as much money as possible."
Modibo was one of the first to seek solar power from Africa GreenTec in Djoliba. Since his diesel generator broke down frequently and gas is an extremely expensive alternative in Djoliba, he worked hard to get more sustainable and cheaper electricity.
Solar power from Africa GreenTec has allowed him to reduce the consumption of the diesel generator and machines that run on diesel. However, sometimes he still uses it because his machines consume a lot of energy and sometimes the power of the solar electricity is not enough.
Since he has reliable electricity, more customers are also coming. Not only from Djoliba, but also from neighboring villages. His income has quadrupled in recent years.
"It's incredible what has changed here. When I think back to how my grandfather used to work and how I work today...it's worlds apart."
But there are also challenges for the business. Right now, solar power isn’t enough for Modibo. He would need more to meet his orders. Furthermore, he currently cannot work at night, which would also be important for him. Besides, he also lacks the financial means to be able to buy more modern machines for his business and he would like to further his education in the field of electricity generation.
"I am a perfectionist. I always want to get the best possible result. In itself, I am proud of what I have already achieved. I now employ 7 people and also train people myself. But I want to enlarge my business. To expand and train more young people. To create greater impact in Djoliba. That's my goal."
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*** Impact Alert! ***
We offer 1197 limited, verified impact token (V.I.T.A.), which measured the impact of 1197 people in Amoloul, Niger over the period of one year.
