OUBA Energy and Technology

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Niger

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

OUBA Energy expands access to clean, affordable energy for off-grid communities in Niger by distributing solar kits through a locally driven model.

The pilot will take place in 3 to 5 unelectrified rural communities in Niger, targeting 500 households with solar kits through a Pay-As-You-Go model. OUBA Energy will train 15 local agents to handle distribution, customer support, and payment collection, ensuring community engagement and long-term follow-up.

What sets OUBA Energy apart is its commitment to building a permanent local presence in each region it serves, allowing it to maintain trust, deliver fast service, and grow sustainably. Its model combines last-mile logistics, digital payment tracking, and tailored solar solutions to meet both household and productive-use energy needs.

OUBA Energy was founded by Amadou Abdou Mahamadou “Salissou”, a renewable energy entrepreneur and 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow. The team includes technical director Mahamane Sani Ibrahima Djabre and project manager Salifou Adamou Younoussa. Together, they bring expertise in solar energy systems, rural deployment, and community-based energy access in Niger.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• During the pilot, they will target 500 rural households, approximately 3,500 beneficiaries, across 3 to 5 unelectrified communities in Niger. They will also train 15 local agents to ensure proper follow-up and support for the beneficiaries.

• They will distribute 500 proven solar lighting interventions, including SunKing Pro Pico, D.Light S30, D.Light A2, and Pico D.Light, to off-grid rural households. These products have been widely recognised for their durability, efficiency, and positive impact on energy access in underserved communities.

• They aim to raise an additional $75,000 to $100,000 during the pilot phase.

FOUNDING TEAM

Amadou Abdou Mahamadou “Salissou” - Founder and Managing Director

Matka

Clean Water Access CHALLENGE; PAKISTAN

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Ceramic Water Filters

Learn more about the Clean Water Access Challenge and why ceramic pot water filters can be used by households to clean otherwise unsafe water from almost any source.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Matka's mission is to provide affordable, sustainable, and culturally-tailored water filtration solutions to rural communities in Punjab, leveraging a community-based distribution model to improve health outcomes and empower women as key advocates for clean water access.

Matka's distribution model is community-based, focusing on rural Punjab, where they have deep cultural knowledge and ties. The pilot will be launched in the rural areas of Punjab, targeting women as early adopters and local advocates.

What sets Matka apart is its ability to tap into existing trust networks by leveraging women in the community as both consumers and sales agents, driving organic growth through word-of-mouth and local connections. This grassroots approach enables them to reduce marketing costs while fostering genuine relationships for wider adoption.

Matka was founded by Dure Nayab and Qurat ul Ain, both of whom have strong ties to rural Punjab and a shared passion for improving water access and health outcomes. With backgrounds in community development and sustainable business models, they bring both local insight and entrepreneurial expertise to the project.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 4500 beneficiaries during the pilot.

• Distribute 300 water filters during the pilot.

• Raise an additional $25,000 during the pilot.

FOUNDING TEAM

Dure Nayab - CEO, Co-founder

Qurat Ul Ain - Co-founder