US-based Senegalese musician and entrepreneur, Akon has entered a public-private partnership with various entities across the globe to help bring energy into one millions homes in West Africa this year.
‘Akon Lighting Africa’ project covers nine West African countries including Senegal, Mali, Guinea Conakry, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo and the Ivory Coast and includes installation of solar equipment in households as well as the promotion of their energy sufficiency which will allow millions of Africans access to electricity.
This month, the superstar visited 9 African countries in nine days to meet with global leaders about the project. Most African countries, especially in the rural areas, lack access to electricity.
“We wanted to focus the project on rural areas because we often forget that our parents in these remote areas need electricity,” Burkinabe President Blaise Campore was quoted as saying in a meeting with the ‘Akon Lighting Africa’project partners.
Partners of the project include: Akon Corp, SOLEKTRA International – BYD Solar, Cambridge UK solar pioneer, Azuri Technologies, NARI (Member of China Grid Group), CJI, the Non-Governmental Organization Give1Project and the governments of different African nations.
Within a month, the project plans to start delivering village-level solar power to allow people to enjoy electricity. The project will start with two to three villages which will be equipped with solar panels.
Speaking on his new project, the five-time Grammy Nominated artist said the “Akon Lighting Africa is just the first step to building Africa’s future.
“The lack of electricity is currently a major problem in Africa. A significant number of households in rural areas and even urban cities do not have access to electricity. This is a real obstacle to Africa’s sustainable development.”
Asides this investment, the superstar has a sizeable business portfolio that include interests in the Senegal International Airlines and a diamond mine in South Africa.
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