In partnership with the Give1Project and ADS Global Corporation SA, Akon Lighting Africa is hoping to use solar energy to give electricity to 1 million homes by the end of this year. The clean energy project hits home for the recording artist, who grew up in Senegal without electricity.
By harnessing the power of the sun, this initiative involves installing solar street lights and solar systems in rural areas, which are more likely to be stuck in the cycle of poverty. Solar equipment is even being brought directly into homes of those in developing communities. In addition to his native Senegal, Akon is touring other African states including Burkina Faso, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea Conakry, the Ivory Coast and Mali to discuss Akon Lighting Africa and meet with national leaders.
Senegalese Solar Initiatives
Akon Lighting Africa Hopes to Provide Clean Energy to the Continent
Trend Themes
1. Solar-powered Home Systems - There are disruptive innovation opportunities in manufacturing and installation of more efficient and affordable solar-powered home systems for rural areas in developing countries.
2. Community-based Solar Energy Projects - There are disruptive innovation opportunities in developing community-based solar energy projects to provide electricity to remote areas without access to power grids.
3. Impact Investing in Renewable Energy - There are disruptive innovation opportunities for impact investing in renewable energy infrastructure in Africa to support the growth of Akon Lighting Africa and similar initiatives.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry can benefit from investing in research and development of solar-powered home systems to support rural electrification in developing countries.
2. Infrastructure - The infrastructure industry can benefit from investing in development of community-based solar energy projects to provide off-grid electricity to remote areas.
3. Impact Investing - The impact investing industry can benefit from investing in renewable energy infrastructure in Africa to support the growth of Akon Lighting Africa and similar initiatives.