SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; SENEGAL
PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED
Solar Lamps.
Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.
DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION
JLF EI distributes high-quality solar lamps and phone chargers from the German manufacturer, Little Sun. The products are specifically designed to resist intensive usage in rural Sub-Saharan Africa such as heat (up to 80°C), heavy tropical rains, drops, dust, and UV. One of the key barriers to development for people in rural Senegal is the lack of last-mile distribution for high-quality products. Left with no choice and little information on alternatives, they rely on expensive and polluting energy sources like kerosene and batteries. Lifting this barrier requires building last-mile distribution channels and closing the gap between national distributors and local customers through innovative partnerships. In the long-term, JLF EI sees their solar lamps and chargers as only the first two steps on the "energy ladder": with increasing savings on energy, clients will be able to afford larger energy systems, more lighting sources, and power other large electronic devices like refrigerators.
JLF EI will set up a micro-entrepreneur network distribution model, relying on sales agents who are deeply rooted in their communities. The venture will also make use of partnerships to make products more affordable to families in rural areas. JLF EI has been selected by Little Sun as a distributor, and this relationship allows the venture access to solar products on credit at no interest rate. This allows JLF EI to pass credit on to their own, carefully selected sales agents, or micro-entrepreneurs, who then get the products into the market. To reach the target market of off-grid communities across Senegal, JLF EI will target agricultural networks such as village savings and loans associations, farmers' associations, and other networks that exist in rural areas. These networks reach deeply into the customer base and will allow JLF EI to pass on promotional messaging at a lower operational cost.
PILOT AND SCALING GOALS
- Distribute around 500 solar lamps during the pilot
- Reach around 3,000 people during the pilot
- Distribute around 2,000 solar lamps by the end of year 1
FOUNDING TEAM
Joan Le Fur - Head of JLF EI
Fatoumata Ndiaye - Business Developer at JLF EI
Samuel Dansette - Africa Sales and Business Development Manager at Little Sun GmbH