Welcome to the 57th episode of the #MyEnergyLife series, a weekly LinkedIn feature designed to highlight, engage with, and empower emerging energy professionals across Africa. Through a series of articles, we will explore the many career paths that exist in the energy industry. Our aim is to provide valuable insights and counsel to support the career aspirations of young professionals in the energy industry.
In this episode, we meet Adesola Hassan, Country Manager, Nigeria at Spark Energy( https://www.linkedin.com/company/sparkenergy/) Adesola Hassan shares her story of how she got started in the energy industry, detailing her challenges and offering invaluable advice to fellow young professionals seeking their path in this dynamic industry.
Full Name
Current Company Name
Spark Energy (https://www.linkedin.com/company/sparkenergy/)
Current Job Title
Country Manager, Nigeria
Specialization
Solar Home Systems
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Tell us about your journey in the energy industry.
My professional journey in energy and telecommunications spans over a decade, beginning with customer service leadership at Tech Mahindra Nigeria Ltd and progressing into the renewable energy sector at Sun King Nigeria. At Emel Solar Solutions, I advanced through several senior roles, ultimately serving as Head of Business Operations & Partnerships, where I led strategic initiatives and ensured regulatory compliance. Currently, as Country Manager at Spark Energy Nigeria, I spearhead efforts to expand clean energy access in underserved communities. I develop comprehensive distribution strategies, establish B2B partnerships, and create innovative financing solutions that make sustainable power accessible while driving business growth and community development.
What do you do in your current role at your company?
As Country Manager at Spark Nigeria, I lead our mission to transform energy access by delivering sustainable power solutions to underserved communities. My role involves developing and executing comprehensive market strategies, establishing strategic B2B partnerships, and collaborating with financial institutions to create innovative financing mechanisms that make clean energy solutions more accessible and affordable.
Through data-driven market analysis and continuous performance monitoring, I identify high-impact expansion opportunities that align with our business objectives and commitment to sustainable development. By working closely with regulatory authorities and key stakeholders, I ensure compliance while driving sustainable growth, ultimately enhancing living standards and economic opportunities across Nigerian communities through reliable power access.
Could you describe your typical day at work?
A typical day in my role as Country Manager at Spark 234 involves both strategic oversight and hands-on management of our operations to expand clean energy access across Nigeria. I start each day by reviewing key performance metrics and distribution data, which guide our operational decisions and help identify areas requiring immediate attention.
A significant part of my time is dedicated to engaging with various stakeholders. This includes regular meetings with cross-functional teams to align on distribution strategies, sales targets, and supply chain operations. I also maintain consistent communication with our B2B partners and financial institutions to strengthen relationships and explore new collaboration opportunities.
Market analysis and strategic planning form another crucial aspect of my day. I evaluate market trends, assess potential expansion opportunities, and develop innovative solutions to address distribution challenges in underserved areas. This involves working closely with our teams to refine our approach and ensure we effectively reach communities in need of reliable power solutions.
Throughout the day, I focus on ensuring our operations comply with regulations while driving sustainable growth. This includes monitoring project implementations, reviewing partnership agreements, and making strategic decisions to optimize our impact in delivering clean energy solutions to Nigerian communities.
What are some of the challenges you have faced in the industry?
Working in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector presents several key challenges in expanding energy access. Infrastructure limitations in rural areas necessitate innovative distribution approaches, while economic factors, such as currency fluctuations, require flexible payment solutions. Our response includes developing strategic partnerships with financial institutions and implementing sustainable business models.
The sector also faces challenges related to market education and regulatory compliance, requiring consistent community engagement and strong stakeholder relationships. These challenges have driven the adoption of more resilient business approaches that effectively serve our target communities while ensuring sustainable growth.
What is the most fun thing you love about your work?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing the direct impact our clean energy solutions have on underserved communities. It’s deeply fulfilling to witness how access to reliable power transforms lives—enabling businesses to grow, students to study after dark, and communities to thrive. Working closely with our teams to overcome distribution challenges and develop innovative solutions that make sustainable energy more accessible gives me a strong sense of purpose.
Additionally, the collaborative nature of our work, particularly in building partnerships, brings a dynamic element to each day. Seeing our strategies translate into successful implementations and watching team members grow professionally adds another layer of satisfaction to my role. This combination of meaningful impact and collaborative achievement makes my work both challenging and deeply rewarding.
How do you balance work and life?
Maintaining a work-life balance is a priority that I achieve through structured time management and clear boundaries. I focus on efficient delegation and team empowerment, ensuring smooth operations while preventing work from regularly extending beyond standard hours. I dedicate time to personal well-being, including exercise and family commitments. While the renewable energy sector can be demanding, this balanced approach enhances my professional effectiveness and leadership capabilities by helping me maintain fresh perspectives and sustained energy for both work and personal life.
What are the core hard skills someone in your field should have?
In the dynamic renewable energy sector, success requires a strong combination of technical and analytical capabilities. Professionals in this field must have robust data analysis skills to interpret market trends, consumption patterns, and performance metrics that drive strategic decision-making. Financial modeling and business analysis are essential for developing sustainable business models, assessing project viability, and creating innovative financing solutions that enhance clean energy accessibility.
A deep understanding of energy systems, renewable technologies, and their applications is crucial for making informed decisions about product offerings and technical implementations. Digital literacy, including expertise in CRM systems and data visualization tools, is vital for optimizing operations and presenting compelling insights to stakeholders. Additionally, knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements in the energy sector ensures successful project execution while adhering to industry standards.
These hard skills, combined with practical experience in supply chain management and distribution logistics, form the foundation for driving impactful clean energy initiatives—transforming communities while ensuring business sustainability.
What soft skills should someone in your field have?
In the renewable energy sector, leadership and interpersonal skills are just as crucial as technical expertise. Strong communication skills are essential for articulating complex energy solutions to diverse stakeholders, including rural communities, corporate partners, and regulatory bodies. The ability to build and maintain relationships is fundamental, as success often depends on fostering trust with partners, customers, and team members across different cultural contexts.
Adaptability and resilience are particularly valuable in this dynamic sector. Leaders must navigate changing market conditions, regulatory landscapes, and technological advancements while staying focused on long-term objectives. Strategic thinking, combined with emotional intelligence, enables effective decision-making that balances business goals with community impact.
Problem-solving abilities and cultural sensitivity are critical when developing solutions for diverse communities. Understanding local contexts and negotiating effectively across stakeholder groups ensure the sustainable implementation of energy initiatives. Additionally, the ability to inspire and motivate teams while managing multiple priorities drives successful project outcomes.
These interpersonal skills, coupled with patience and empathy, are vital for creating lasting positive change in communities while building sustainable business relationships that advance clean energy access.
What is the best thing about your work?
The most rewarding aspect of my work lies in its dual impact: driving sustainable energy solutions while fostering meaningful global connections. Working with our diverse international team adds unique richness to our mission of expanding clean energy access. Our virtual workspace dissolves geographical boundaries, uniting colleagues from different continents, cultures, and backgrounds who share a common vision for sustainable development.
The collaborative nature of our work creates a vibrant environment where diverse perspectives enhance our problem-solving capabilities. Daily interactions with team members from around the world not only broaden our understanding of different markets but also foster a truly inclusive work culture. Whether we’re strategizing with colleagues in Europe, coordinating with teams in Asia, or sharing insights with partners across Africa, these cross-cultural collaborations cultivate a sense of global unity in pursuing our mission.
What makes this especially meaningful is witnessing the direct impact of our work through the smiles and gratitude of last-mile customers. Seeing their joy when they first access reliable power and hearing how it transforms their daily lives reinforces the importance of our mission. These moments of connection with the communities we serve, combined with our global teamwork, make every day in my role uniquely fulfilling and purposeful.
It’s particularly rewarding to know that our collective efforts are creating lasting, positive change in people’s lives while contributing to a more sustainable future.
What would you consider a highlight of your career?
A significant highlight of my career has been successfully developing and implementing innovative distribution strategies that have transformed energy access in underserved communities across Nigeria. Particularly noteworthy is our achievement in establishing sustainable financing mechanisms through strategic partnerships with financial institutions, making clean energy solutions accessible to communities that previously had limited or no reliable power.
This accomplishment stands out not only for its business impact but also for its profound effect on community development. We have created a model that balances commercial viability with social impact, demonstrating that sustainable energy access can be both profitable and transformative. By collaborating with cross-functional teams and international stakeholders, we have overcome significant logistical and financial barriers to drive lasting positive change.
What makes this achievement especially meaningful is its role in paving the way for broader industry adoption of similar approaches, contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of the renewable energy sector in Nigeria. This success has not only advanced our business objectives but has also set new benchmarks for expanding clean energy access in challenging markets.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m passionate about fostering meaningful connections and personal development. Building relationships with diverse individuals enriches my perspective, while mentoring young professionals and entrepreneurs allows me to share my experiences and contribute to their growth. My recent journey into authorship further reflects my commitment to knowledge sharing.
I prioritize a balanced lifestyle through regular exercise and wellness activities, complemented by continuous learning through reading, workshops, and engaging discussions. These pursuits collectively enhance my personal growth and professional effectiveness, creating a fulfilling life beyond work.
How do you think that your work makes a difference in the energy space?
Through strategic partnerships and innovative distribution models, my work contributes to transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape by expanding sustainable power access to underserved communities. We develop comprehensive ecosystems that go beyond providing energy products, incorporating flexible financing solutions and efficient distribution networks to make clean energy both accessible and affordable.
Our initiatives accelerate Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy while proving that clean energy solutions can be both commercially viable and socially impactful. The most meaningful aspect of our work is its ripple effect—when communities gain reliable power access, it catalyzes improvements in healthcare, education, and economic activities, creating lasting positive change across the region.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?
For those entering the renewable energy sector, I emphasize three key pieces of advice. First, develop a strong foundation in industry knowledge while remaining adaptable, as this field is dynamic and constantly evolving. Second, focus on building meaningful relationships across the stakeholder spectrum—from communities to financial institutions—as these connections are invaluable for navigating the sector’s complexities. Finally, maintain perspective on the dual nature of our work: while business metrics matter, our ultimate impact lies in providing sustainable energy access and improving lives. This understanding, combined with patience and continuous learning through mentorship and industry networks, forms a strong foundation for a rewarding career in renewable energy.
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