Women in business.
Communities moving forward.

Welcome to Neighbours Shop, an innovative program by the Adeola Azeez Community Care Foundation (AACCF) in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI). Neighbours Shop is a transformative initiative designed to revolutionize Nigeria’s informal retail sector by empowering women entrepreneurs with sustainable solar-powered kiosks. Our mission is to foster economic growth, financial inclusion, and sustainability, one community at a time.

Founded three years ago, Neighbours Shop was created to bridge the gap in Nigeria’s informal retail sector, where 90% of businesses operate without formal structures. Collaborating with partners like BOI and AACCF, we envisioned a program that combines technological innovation with grassroots empowerment. Today, Neighbours Shop is driving poverty reduction, gender equity, and local economic growth, proving that sustainable retail can transform lives and communities.

Neighbours Shop serves as a catalyst for change, uplifting women by providing them with the tools and opportunities needed to run thriving businesses. By offering a structured business model and access to state-of-the-art technology, Neighbours Shop enables women to achieve financial independence, support their families, and contribute to the prosperity of their communities. Each kiosk is more than just a business hub—it’s a platform for innovation, sustainability, and empowerment.

Neighbours Shop offers transformative advantages for governments and communities, driving economic growth, empowerment, and sustainable development.

• Enhanced Public Perception: Positions governments as forward-thinking and committed to citizen empowerment.
• Economic Growth: Stimulates local economies, increasing tax revenues and reducing fiscal strain.
• Job Creation and Poverty Reduction: Provides sustainable employment, decreasing unemployment and poverty rates.
• SDG Alignment: Advances goals like clean energy (SDG 7), economic growth (SDG 8), and poverty reduction (SDG 1).
• Community Engagement: Strengthens relationships between governments and citizens, fostering goodwill.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Demonstrates the power of collaboration, encouraging private sector involvement.
• Innovation and Transparency: Real-time sales tracking promotes accountability and positions governments as innovation hubs.
• Reduced Dependency on Welfare: Empowers residents, decreasing reliance on government aid and freeing resources for critical sectors.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Encourages better roads, electricity, and internet to support kiosks.
• Utility Services: Provides access to charging bays, bill payments, and money transfer services.

Neighbours Shop is redefining informal retail by seamlessly blending advanced technology with sustainable practices, creating a model that empowers entrepreneurs while delivering lasting value to communities. At the heart of this innovation are their Smart Kiosks, which incorporate cutting-edge cloud connectivity and eco-friendly features to offer a dynamic, efficient, and environmentally conscious retail experience.

1. Cloud-Connected Kiosks: Revolutionizing Retail Management

Neighbours Shop’s kiosks are more than just physical retail spaces; they are digital hubs powered by the cloud. This connectivity allows kiosk operators to manage their businesses with precision and efficiency through a suite of powerful tools. Key benefits of cloud connectivity include:

• Real-Time Data Access: Operators have instant access to sales and inventory updates, which helps them avoid stock-outs and overstocking, ensuring better inventory management and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
• Centralized Management: Whether managing one kiosk or multiple locations, operators and managers can oversee all activities from a single location, gaining valuable insights into sales trends, customer preferences, and business performance.
• Enhanced Security: The cloud system is backed by robust security protocols to protect sensitive sales and inventory data, ensuring that operators’ business information remains secure.
• Automated Reports: Daily sales reports and material requests are automatically generated, providing operators with detailed insights into consumer behavior and inventory needs, allowing them to stay ahead of demand and optimize their operations.

2. Tablet PCs: Bridging Traditional and Digital Retail

Each kiosk is equipped with a tablet PC, which acts as the cornerstone of modern retail. These user-friendly devices provide operators with a simple interface to manage inventory and track sales, making them accessible for entrepreneurs of all skill levels. Key features include:

• User-Friendly Interface: The tablet’s interface simplifies inventory tracking and sales management, making the system easy to navigate, even for those with minimal technical experience.
• Portability: Lightweight and versatile, the tablet can be easily moved during peak sales times or events, allowing operators to manage sales and inventory from anywhere within the kiosk.
• Seamless Integration: The tablet supports additional tools such as barcode scanners and payment gateways, helping streamline operations, speed up transactions, and improve the overall customer experience.

3. Sustainability: The Solar Advantage

Neighbours Shop is deeply committed to sustainability, which is reflected in its integration of solar power across all kiosks. This initiative addresses both environmental and operational challenges, ensuring kiosks run efficiently while minimizing their environmental impact.

Why Solar Power Matters

• Uninterrupted Operations: The solar panels ensure that kiosks operate continuously, even in remote areas without reliable grid access, crucial for preserving perishable goods and maintaining consistent customer service.
• Reduced Operational Costs: By eliminating electricity bills, solar power significantly reduces operational costs, allowing kiosk operators to maximize profit margins.
• Environmental Impact: Solar power reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources, significantly cutting down on carbon emissions and contributing to a greener planet.

4. Solar-Powered Freezers: Efficiency and Sustainability Combined

Each kiosk also features a solar freezer, which integrates energy efficiency with sustainability to keep perishable items fresh while reducing waste. The solar freezers offer:

• Effective Preservation: These freezers keep goods at the optimal temperature, ensuring that perishable items stay fresh longer, reducing waste and increasing customer satisfaction.
• Energy Efficiency: Designed to operate efficiently even in low sunlight conditions, the solar freezers are optimized to work with minimal energy input, ensuring a sustainable operation.
• Cost Savings: By cutting down on energy expenses, solar-powered freezers help boost the profitability of kiosk operators, creating a more sustainable and profitable business model.

The process of setting up a new kiosk is systematic and efficient, ensuring smooth integration into the community and optimal performance from day one:

• Site Selection: Based on demographic studies, foot traffic, and local needs, suitable locations within the communities are identified for kiosk setup.
• Infrastructure Setup: Once a site is finalized, the kiosk infrastructure, including the solar system and solar freezer, are installed. Necessary checks are conducted to ensure everything is in working order.
• Technology Integration: Tablet PCs and other technological components are integrated into the kiosk. The cloud connection is established to ensure real-time data synchronization.
• Inventory Stocking: Initial inventory is provided based on predicted local demand. This ensures the kiosk is ready for sales from the get-go.
• Soft Launch: Before the official opening, a soft launch might be conducted to gauge local response and iron out any operational issues

Each Neighbours Shop kiosk is equipped with solar-powered systems, refrigeration units, and cloud-connected tablet PCs for real-time inventory tracking. Entrepreneurs, primarily women, operate the kiosks under a profit-sharing model; certain percentage of profits go to the kiosk operator while another percentage is reinvested into the programme for expansion and operational costs.

Daily restocking, insurance, and anti-theft measures ensure the kiosks run smoothly. After successfully managing their kiosks for three years, beneficiaries gain full ownership, fostering long-term commitment and economic stability.

Neighbours Shop believes in empowering kiosk operators with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed:

• Orientation Programme: New operators undergo an orientation program where they’re introduced to the Neighbours Shop philosophy, business model, and operational best practices.
• Hands-on Training: Operators receive practical training on using the tablet PC, managing inventory, interpreting sales reports, and handling daily cash transactions.
• Continuous Learning: As the retail landscape evolves, operators are periodically provided with refresher courses or new training modules to stay updated.
• Dedicated Support Line: For any queries or challenges, operators have access to a dedicated support line where they can seek guidance and resolve issues promptly.

Neighbours Shop is more than a business model. it’s a pathway to financial independence, skill development, and sustainable growth for kiosk operators. Here’s how the program empowers those at the frontline of operations:

• Consistent Earnings: With a transparent profit-sharing structure, kiosk operators enjoy stable income, offering them financial security and the ability to plan for their futures confidently.
• Growth Opportunities: The model rewards effort and dedication. The harder operators work, the higher their potential earnings, creating a direct path to personal and professional growth while unlocking opportunities for expansion.
• Skill Development: By operating within a tech-driven and structured retail environment, kiosk operators develop essential skills such as Inventory management which including Sales analytics Customer service, and Digital literacy. These skills empower operators to adapt to evolving retail trends and enhance their overall marketability.
• Cooperative Membership: After successfully running their kiosk for one year, diligent operators are invited to join the Neighbours Shop Cooperative. This membership serves as an exit strategy, enabling operators to become self-monitoring, Access further support from government agencies or financial institutions. The cooperative ensures long-term stability and opens doors to future growth opportunities.

Neighbours Shop equips kiosk operators with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive, transforming lives one step at a time.

Neighbours Shop is empowering women like Mrs. Olowookere, who now supports her family of four, and Ms. Aanu, who has leveraged kiosk profits to fund her education. These inspiring women exemplify the transformative impact of the program, turning opportunities into lasting success stories.

Since its inception, Neighbours Shop has empowered 50 women entrepreneurs across Ogun State, generating income, reducing poverty, and boosting local economies. Beneficiaries share testimonials of how the program has improved their lives, provided financial stability, and created ripple effects of positive change in their communities.

On Thursday 28th November, 2024, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State was ignited with the launching and handing over of Solar Powered Kiosks to 35 women by The Adeola Azeez Community Care Foundation (AACCF), in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Neighbours Shop.

The grand commissioning event, which held at Bishop Ayo Awosoga Hall, Ijebu-Ode, was graced by distinguished guests, including Her Excellency, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, First Lady of Ogun State, and other stakeholders committed to community-driven development.

Join us in transforming lives and communities. Whether as a partner, donor, or volunteer, your support can help Neighbours Shop reach more women and expand its impact. Together, we can create a future where innovation and empowerment go hand in hand.

Becoming a Neighbours Shop operator involves a simple process:

• Application: Submit required documents, including proof of residence and valid ID.
• Training: Attend a comprehensive two-week training program.
• Assignment: Operate your kiosk with continuous support from the Neighbours Shop team.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a woman aged 18–50.
• Live within proximity to the kiosk.
• Demonstrate availability and basic literacy skills.
• Commit to attending the mandatory training program.

How are beneficiaries selected?

Beneficiaries are chosen based on eligibility criteria and their commitment to the programme’s values.

Who funds the kiosks?

Kiosks are funded through a collaborative effort by AACCF, BOI, and other partners.

What products are sold in the kiosks?

Kiosks stock essential items, including groceries, household goods, and refrigerated perishables.

What support does Neighbours Shop offer to kiosk operators?

Operators receive training, orientation, continuous support, and access to a dedicated support line to help them manage their kiosks effectively.

How do kiosk operators benefit from the program?

Operators enjoy consistent earnings, growth opportunities, skill development, and cooperative membership, which enhances their financial independence and business success.

How can I register to become a Neighbours Shop operator?

Interested applicants can apply by submitting required documents, attending a two-week training program, and operating a kiosk with ongoing support.

How can I get involved with Neighbours Shop?

Expand the program and create a brighter future for women entrepreneurs.

Have questions or want to get involved? Contact us today:

Email: info@aaccf.org.ng Phone: +234 911 235 6614