Akon Lighting Africa: widespread access to electricity


AKON-LOGOThe Akon Lighting Africa initiative was launched in February 2014 in response to the African energy crisis by international music star, Akon, leader Thione Niang and entrepreneur Samba Bathily. Its objective is to develop an innovative solar-powered solution to provide African villages with access to a clean and affordable source of electricity.

Development in Africa requires access to energy.  It is not only a pre-requisite for fast-track inclusive growth but it will also determine Africa’s ability to unleash its full potential and improve local living conditions.


•    Democratising access to a clean and affordable electricity

akon-lighting-africaToday, 600 million Africans still don’t have access to electricity, particularly in rural areas.  This problem of energy inequality can be remedied.  Solutions do exist, which can have a positive and immediate impact on the people of Africa and their economic activities.  The private sector in Africa and from other countries can work with Governments to address energy issues in Africa, providing the impetus required to develop innovative technologies attracting massive investment in the energy sector.


•    A million homes have been given access to electricity

The Akon Lighting Africa program includes installing three different sorts of solar-powered equipment: public street lighting, solar micro-generators for use by communities and household connection kits.

In addition to this ecological energy solution, Akon Lighting Africa also actively helps to support the young people of Africa and their empowerment, encouraging them to play an active role and drive Africa’s growth, creating local jobs, providing vocational training and strengthening the economic activities of rural or isolated communities.