600 Million Africans Getting Electricity — Thanks to Rapper/Singer Akon!

Nationwide — More than 600 million people in Africa do not have access to electricity, particularly those who live in rural areas. Not only does this create a problem for basic productivity, it is also the reason why more than 3.5 million Africans die every year from harmful pollutants or fires in their homes produced by costly and toxic solid fuels.

To meet these challenges, Akon Lighting Africa seeks to provide a concrete response at grass roots level to Africa’s energy crisis and lay the foundations for future development. Launched in February 2014 by international music star, Akon, leader Thione Niang and entrepreneur Samba Bathily, this initiative aims to develop an innovative solar-powered solution that will provide African villages with access to a clean and affordable source of electricity.

In less than one year, thanks to a private-public partnership model and a well-established network of partners (including SOLEKTRA INT, SUMEC and NARI), a wide range of quality solar solutions, including street lamps, domestic and individual kits, have been installed in 14 African countries.

As a result, a number of households, villages, community houses, schools and health centres located in rural areas have been connected to electricity for the first time ever. Local jobs, primarily for young people, have also been created in these communities, whether for installation of equipment’s or for maintenance.

Regarding the continent-wide project, Akon comments, “Power to empower people: that is our objective!”

For more details about what he is doing, visit www.akonlightingafrica.com