SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; ZIMBABWE
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
Bilo Ventures is a social enterprise whose mission is to eliminate extreme energy poverty in rural Zimbabwe.
According to (ZimStats, 2012), there are 1,536,090 rural households without access to electricity in Zimbabwe alone. The Zimbabwe National Renewable Energy Policy states that rural electrification stands at 13%, with the primary lighting source being paraffin or kerosene candles.
By marketing world-class products and building a rural distribution network, Bilo Ventures will improve lives while creating economic opportunities and a cleaner environment in remote areas. The venture uses a franchise model for distribution. Each franchisee will be an entrepreneur, residing in the local village and will be carefully selected and trained. Each will receive a starter kit with documented best practices for selling solar lamps in a rural context. They will also receive comprehensive training to enable them to quickly ramp up their productivity.
These franchisees will be assigned target and be expected to participate in daily and weekly sessions where performance will be reviewed, successes and best practices are shared and targets are set for the ensuing period. On a monthly and quarterly basis, the franchisees will meet to review performance, celebrate the top performers, share best practices and receive further training.
Bilo Ventures is led by the founding team of Tendai Sixpence, Tawanda Munyika and Constance Muleya. The team is passionate about rural development and the power of free enterprise.
PILOT AND SCALING GOALS
Sell 500 solar lamps that will directly benefit 2,500 people by the end of three months
Sell 2,500 solar lamps that will directly benefit 15,000 people by the end of Year 1
Reach 60,000 people by the end of Year 2
FOUNDING TEAM
Tendai Sixpence - Co-founder & Managing Director
Constance Muleya - Co-founder
Tawanda Munyika - Co-founder & Finance Director