SunLink Engineering PLC

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Ethiopia

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

SunLink Engineering PLC is building sustainable livelihoods for off-grid Ethiopian communities through community-driven solar solutions.

SunLink Engineering PLC distribute high-quality solar lanterns in rural and deep rural Ethiopia by partnering with trusted local community-managed social groups. This promotes collective purchasing within their pilot region of Oromia. Their commitment extends beyond the sale, as they provide full after-sales and maintenance service to all their customers.

Abnet Birkineh, a YALI RLC EA fellow and experienced electrical engineer, serves as the leader of their dedicated team of young entrepreneurs possessing significant familiarity with Ethiopia's solar energy sector. The core team includes financial management expertise provided by the Finance Manager, Tseganesh Birkineh, alongside a committed sales department and strategic guidance from an experienced business mentor. Mr. Abnet's leadership, coupled with the team's local knowledge and diverse competencies, is central to achieving their objective of delivering sustainable energy solutions.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• 500 quality solar lamps will be distributed to off-grid households.

• 2,500 people will be directly impacted.

• 10,000 USD additional funds will be raised.

FOUNDING TEAM

Abnet Birkineh Molla - Team Lead

Tseganesh Birkineh - Finance Manager

Kuwala Clean Energy

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Malawi

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

Kuwala Clean Energy’s mission is to uplift off-grid communities in Malawi with clean energy for healthier, safer lives.

Kuwala Clean Energy will pilot its distribution model in Havara Village, Zomba, Malawi, by using existing Water Point Committees as community-based sales agents. These trusted local groups will be trained to distribute Sun King solar lamps using a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) model, which requires only a 30% upfront payment.

This approach ensures accessibility while utilising well-established community structures for efficient distribution. Kuwala Clean Energy’s integration with local governance systems makes them stars, fostering trust and sustainability from within the community itself.

Kuwala Clean Energy was founded by Gabriel Kamowatimwa, Raymond Zulu, Hopeson Ngalande, and Phillip Kamowatimwa in 2024. Gabriel serves as the Chief Executive Officer and leads overall strategy and monitoring. The team combines expertise in project coordination, field operations, and finance, with a strong connection to the local community in Zomba, Malawi.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 1500 beneficiaries during the pilot.

• Distribute 500 solar lamps during the pilot.

• Fundraise an additional $15,000 during the pilot phase.

FOUNDING TEAM

Gabriel Kamowatimwa - Chief Executive Officer

Raymond Innocent Zulu - Project Coordinator

Philip Kamowatimwa - Finance Manager

Hopeson Ngakande - Field Officer

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

Sunworld

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Mozambique

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

SunWorld’s Massive Transformative Purpose is to create a world where access to clean and sustainable energy is a universal right, empowering people in rural communities to thrive and reach their full potential.

SunWorld operates on a community-driven model focused on increasing access to solar lighting in rural areas of Mozambique. Its operating model comprises product sourcing and distribution: Sunworld partners with SunKing to provide solar lamps. These products are distributed to regional distribution centers.

SunWorld uses a network of direct sales agents living in the communities they serve. Sunworld also partners and collaborates with local community leaders and NGOs to identify target areas and establish distribution networks. These partnerships help to understand local needs and effectively reach underserved households. The pilot location is Chokwe District which is located in Gaza Province.

Sunworld is a registered brand under Salamanga Projects LDA, which was founded in 2020 by Jacob Basera and Mercez Meyer. Nonless Mapira co-created Sunworld and is the Project Coordinator.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 4.500 customers within three months.

• Distribute 1.500 solar lamps.

• Fundraise an additional $100.000 USD.

FOUNDING TEAM

Jacob Basera - Managing Director

Nonless Mapira - Chief of Staff

Mercez Meyer - Partner

Medina SunTech

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; South Sudan

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

Medina SunTech is a social venture with a mission of improving and dispatching clean, reliable, and affordable solar energy systems to off-grid communities of South Sudan.

Medina SunTech offers dependable, cost-effective, and certified SunKing solar energy solutions to the people of Central Equatoria State in South Sudan, where electricity is not available. The products come with warranties and quality assurances to ensure durability and high performance.

They aim to alleviate energy poverty and enhance the quality of life for residents. Medina SunTech is fervently dedicated to overcoming barriers, including the lack of high-quality solar systems, financial constraints, and awareness deficits, that hinder the broad adoption of renewable energy technologies in South Sudan.

Medina SunTech was founded in 2024 by an enthusiastic energy professional with extensive experience of nearly half a decade in the energy sector of South Sudan. Medina SunTech is led by Mr. Talib PB Latio who is the Founder and Managing Director. Talib's speciality is in energy engineering with a major focus on renewable energy technologies.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 500 unique customers within three months.

• Using 5 high-performing distribution agents, distribute 500 solar lamps in three months.

• Fundraise an additional $10,000 USD from new donors or investors within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Talib Paskwali Beshir Latio - Managing Director and Founder

Fatima Solar Reach (FSR)

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Ghana

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

Fatima Solar Reach's mission is to provide affordable and reliable solar power solutions to underserved communities in Ghana, aiming to improve quality of life, enhance safety, and support socioeconomic development by increasing access to clean energy.

FSR’s distribution model focuses on using local heroes and sales agents, known as Direct Sales Representatives supported by Service Centers and partner shops in underserved communities in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region of Ghana.

The pilot will target Domawa village, where they will provide solar lamps through a flexible payment model, ensuring affordability and accessibility. A key differentiator is their use of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that integrates mobile money payments and remote monitoring, allowing them to efficiently manage credit and ensure timely payments from customers.

The founding team is led by Sufyan Yakubu, who serves as the Founder and CEO. Sufyan is responsible for setting the strategic direction, securing funding, and overseeing the implementation of projects.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 3,000 unique customers within three months.

• Using 20 high-performing distribution agents, distribute 5,000 products/ services in three months.

• Fundraise an additional $20,000 from new donors or investors within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Sufyan Yakubu - Founder and CEO

KatexPower

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Nigeria

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

KatexPower is dedicated to addressing energy poverty and improving lives through sustainable energy solutions.

Trained local sales agents will be recruited and trained to conduct door-to-door sales and awareness campaigns within the community, highlighting the benefits of solar lighting and explaining the affordability and payment options available.

They will establish partnerships with local community leaders and relevant stakeholders to gain trust and facilitate the distribution process. What sets KatexPower apart is their affordability and accessibility.

They will explore payment models such as microfinance and pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) solutions to enable ownership payments. The pilot will take place in the Ibeju-Lekki community, Lagos State, Nigeria.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 100 unique customers within three months.

• Using 5 high-performing distribution agents, distribute 100 pico solar lamps in three months.

• Fundraise an additional $25,000 USD from new donors or investors within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Onyekachi Nwafor - CEO

Oluwafolakemi Rowland - COO

Ekha Solar Project

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

Ekha Solar Project’s mission is to reduce extreme energy poverty and bridge the energy gap by providing affordable and sustainable clean solar solutions to last-mile communities.

Ekha Solar Project distributes solar home systems through a network of rural community-based distribution agents (CBDs).

They offer flexible and affordable payment instalments through a simplified, user-friendly Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) system.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 3,500 people during the pilot.

• Distribute 700 lamps.

• Raise an additional $25,000.

FOUNDING TEAM

Rufaro Marufu - Project and Business Development Lead

Angeline Motsi - Technical Sales and Marketing Lead

Sunny Energy Malawi (SEMW)

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Malawi

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

Sunny Energy Malawi's mission is to enhance the quality of lives in low-income rural communities in Dowa, Malawi, by promoting education, empowerment, and economic development through the distribution of clean, affordable, and sustainable solar lamps.

Sunny Energy Malawi uses solar kiosks and sales agents to distribute sustainable solar energy solutions in Dowa, Central Region, Malawi. The company uses the PAYGO model for credit collection and mobile money services for rural customers to access the PAYGO Model.

The company relies on warranties for product quality and longevity and employs local people as sales agents and kiosk operators to build community trust and verify customer information.

The company is committed to ensuring that every household in Malawi has access to clean, sustainable, and affordable renewable energy lighting solutions.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 5,810 beneficiaries within three months.

• Using five solar kiosk operators and 15 high-preforming sales agents, distribute 1162 solar lamps within the first three months.

• Fundraise additional $20, 000 from new investors or funders within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Chikondi Chizu - Co-Founder & Managing Director

Glory Bwetu - Co-Founder & Administration and Marketing Manager

Austin Kalimanjira Junior - Co-Founder & Sales and Distribution Manager

Hydrointel Africa Energy

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Kenya

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

Hydrointel Africa Energy believes energy access equals financial freedom, better health care, and improved living.

HIAE offers dependable and accredited solar energy solutions to homes in the Western Region of Kenya with limited electricity access. Warranty policies and verification processes support the solutions to guarantee high quality and durability. The products are specifically developed to address energy poverty and enhance individuals' daily lives.

Their goal is to overcome the logistical and financial obstacles that impede the widespread use of renewable energy technology. HydroIntel Africa Energy’s distribution model employs a two-dimensional approach: Provision of Solar Lamps on a pay-to-own model and cash basis.

HydroIntel Africa Energy's goal is to present and offer a sustainable model that has evidence-based impact and a trickle-down effect, similar to the social business approach, which is built on the need to create an activity that generates income and helps the community members make their financial capacity by creating a revolving fund from the proceeds.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Distribute 500 units within the first 3 months of the pilot phase impacting approximately 2500 people.

• Recruit 20 sales agents 5 months into the project to construct a solar kiosk.

• In 12 months, scale up the operation to reach 3,000 people by sourcing additional funding of USD 10,000.

FOUNDING TEAM

John Wafula Khaemba - Founder

Green Business Solutions

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Malawi

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

GBS was founded to provide affordable and sustainable long-term clean energy support in rural low-income communities, with labour embedded in the community, using a simple scalable approach.

Green Business Solutions (GBS) has developed a simple and scalable distribution method for getting low-cost pico-solar lamps to low-income rural communities such that they can have a life with lighting: increasing security at night, allowing night-time study for children, providing opportunities for nighttime commercial activities such as sewing and cooking, and increasing quality of life.

Their model involves recruiting local ‘Energy Committee’ teams i.e. Village Savings and Loans Associations who recruit customers to get bulk orders. The Energy Committee is supported by an experienced and locally based Sales Agent who provides training and support. The model improves gender equality; offers local employment and low costs; provides excellent after-sales support; and creates a two-way communication hub for the community.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 2250 customers during the pilot.

• Distribute 500 products during the pilot.

• Fundraise an additional $20,000 from other donors.

FOUNDING TEAM

Bright Bamusi Banda - Managing Director

Precious Mkandawire - Finance Manager

Sunsave Solutions

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Cameroon

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

Sunsave Solutions increases access to entry-level solar electricity in low-income female-led and majority-female rural households.

Sunsave Solutions’ model uses rural women-only and women-majority cooperatives and farm groups as local partners and distributors for last-mile distribution.

This strategy not only facilitates access to clean energy but also champions social change by dismantling entrenched social barriers. By focusing on female-led and majority-female households, they ensure that the benefits of their solar solutions directly uplift those most in need.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 666 unique customers within three months of pilot.

• Distribute 666 products in three months of pilot.

• Fundraise an additional $25,000 from other donors.

FOUNDING TEAM

Felix Mekila Ngwambe - Founder

Brittany Newfer - Founder

Favour Onyenma - Founder

Dzuwa Gleam

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; MALAWI

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

Dzuwa Gleam is on a mission to empower and enhance the lives of Malawians living in underserved, off-grid rural communities grappling with energy poverty through the provision of clean, sustainable, and reliable energy solutions.

Dzuwa Gleam's distribution model centers on deploying highly motivated local sales agents to deliver sustainable energy solutions, starting with the pilot in Kasungu district, Malawi. Their agents leverage community connections and local knowledge to directly engage with residents, ensuring the effective distribution of Pico solar lamps.

What sets Dzuwa Gleam apart is its commitment to empowering communities by establishing a robust network of agents, fostering genuine connections, and tailoring its approach to the specific needs of each locality. This localized, community-driven strategy distinguishes Dzuwa Gleam as a catalyst for transformative change in the energy landscape.

Dzuwa Gleam was founded in 2023 by Geoffrey Mtika, a visionary Chief Executive Officer, who serves as the driving force behind Dzuwa Gleam's commitment to bringing sustainable energy solutions to communities in Malawi. While Geoffrey leads the initiative, the team is further strengthened by dedicated individuals, including Steve Chipanje, Sales and Marketing Executive, and Stern Nyasulu, Finance Manager.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 1,500 unique customers within three months.

• Using 15 high-performing sales agents to distribute 300 Pico Solar Lamps during the three-month pilot.

• Fundraise an additional fund of $20,000 from new investors or funders within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Geoffrey Mtika - CEO

Steve Chipanje - Sales and Marketing Executive

Stern Nyasulu - Finance Manager

Solar Cube Energy Solutions

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; UGANDA

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

Solar Cube is a social enterprise with the mission to change the lives of many people in rural off-grid areas in Uganda and beyond by using clean and affordable solar products & services.

Solar Cube will distribute quality solar lamps verified by Greenlight Planet through a network of last-mile shop owners selling out affordable solar lamps to last-mile customers in rural and off-grid areas in the West Nile region in Uganda.

The company will apply a flexible payment system accepting cash or instalments using mobile money to suit the financing needs of the last-mile customers. In addition, Solar Cube has developed a solar kiosk that will be leased out to shop owners or businesses using the energy-as-a-service model.

The last mile shop owners will become Solar Cube’s distribution agents to sell solar lamps while powering their businesses for cold drinks, mobile phone charging, and powering TVs using solar power from the solar kiosks.

Solar Cube was founded in 2022 by two energy experts with extensive experience of over 7 years each in the energy sector of Uganda. Solar Cube is led by Mr. Muceka Rolex, the managing director and co-founder, and assisted by Mr. Alokore Yunus, the business development manager and co-founder.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach more than 1,500 beneficiaries in 3 months.

• Using 9 last mile high-performing distribution agents, distribute 300 solar solar lamps in three months.

• Fundraise an additional fund of $20,000 from new investors or funders within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Mr. Muceka Rolex - Managing Director and Co-Founder

Mr. Alokore Yunus - Business Development Manager and Co-Founder

Akanyo Santa - Market Development Manager and Co-Founder

Kukhanya

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Mozambique

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

Kukhanya aims to provide small household solar solutions for hard-to-reach communities across Mozambique.

In the coming six to twelve months, the Kukhanya team will be undergoing a restructuring process that includes hiring new members, and organizing training sessions and meetings with their agrodealers and VBAs. They are targeting three provinces initially (Nampula, Manica, and Zambezia).

Kukhanya plans to establish partnerships with key stakeholders in the renewable energy sector to secure financing and expand our reach to more rural communities.

Kukhanya was founded in 2022 by Jorge Mondlane, Lao Un Wai, Ernesto Matabeia and Ritchoni Felix. Jorge serves as the Project and Operational Manager, Laoi serves as the Marketing and Logistics Manager, Ernesto serves as the Sales and Customer Manager, and Ritchoni serves as the Sales and Customer Manager.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach up to at least 1500 people within the first three months.

• Distribute 1500 lamps in three months.

• Fundraise an additional $100,000.

FOUNDING TEAM

Jorge Mondlane - Managing Director

Lao Un Wai - Financial Director

Sesa Energy

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Tanzania

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

Sesa Energy's mission is to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable solar power solutions to illuminate and power underserved communities in Tanzania while empowering local women and youth, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering economic prosperity.

Sesa Energy's distribution model is uniquely designed to bridge the energy access gap in Tanzania by extending from urban areas to the most remote rural regions. What sets them apart is their strong emphasis on empowering local women and youth who become integral parts of their distribution network as sales agents and franchisees.

This not only creates economic opportunities within communities but also ensures that Sesa Energy reaches the farthest corners of Tanzania, making clean energy solutions accessible and affordable to even the poorest rural populations.

The pilot project is based in Ngorongoro, Monduli, and Longido, areas that typically face significant energy poverty, and Sesa Energy’s commitment to local empowerment through its distribution network sets it apart as a socially impactful energy provider.

Sesa Energy was started in 2022 by Joshua Joseph Msechu, Eva Joseph Msechu, and Sabrina Daudi Kinga. Joshua serves as the Project Leader and a Co-Founder, and Eva and Sabrina are Co-Founders.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach up to at least 2500 people within the first three months.

• Using 10 distribution agents, they will distribute 500 lamps in three months.

• Fundraise an additional $10000.

FOUNDING TEAM

Joshua Joseph Msechu - Project Leader and Co-Founder

Eva Joseph Msechu - Co-Founder

Sabrina Daudi Kinga - Co-Founder

Greenspa

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; MALAWI

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

Greenspa is a startup enterprise which promote utilization of renewable energy technologies to marginalized people in Malawi.

Greenspa strives to improve solar energy access to the underserved and marginalized people in the remotest areas of Malawi. Greenspa has created a distribution network reaching logistically challenged areas with affordable solar technologies.

Greenspa will recruit trained sales technicians and empower them with motorcycles so that they reach hard to reach areas to distribute solar products. Greenspa has partnered with mobile money providers so that mobile money would be its payment platform. They have also partnered with mobile money kiosks in our target catchment areas.

Greenspa’s team is made up of vibrant individuals with diverse backgrounds who are passionate in taking part in fighting energy poverty in Malawi. The founding team include Phillip Kanchiputu, Managing Director; Chifundo Nchochoma, Human Resources and Finance Officer; and Triza Chimwaye, Sales and Marketing Officer.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Use 30 high-performing sales agents to distribute 700 solar lamps in three months of the pilot phase.

• Reach 3000 beneficiaries within three months.

• Raise additional USD 10,000 from other donors during pilot phase.

FOUNDING TEAM

Phillip Kanchiputu - Managing Director

Chifundo Nchochoma - Human Resources and Finance Officer

Triza Chimwaye - Sales and Marketing Officer

Novus Solar

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; ZAMBIA

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

Novus Solar is an innovative, market-driven, and socially inclusive energy enterprise providing affordable solar energy lighting to the rural marginalized poor through PAYGO and cash sales.

Novus Solar’s distribution model which will be implemented in North East of Zambia entails the recruitment of local sales and store agents in the community whom they will train and equip to sell solar lamps through the pay-as-you-go model.

The sales and local store agents will be equipped with materials for the sale and branding of stores and agents such as posters and uniforms. The sales agents will conduct field sales while the store agents will be selling from the shops.

The PAYGO-enabled solar lamps will allow customers to make affordable purchases of energy units to access the lighting. The solar lamps will only turn on if they are recharged using the energy unit which will be sold locally. This will enable customers to access lighting at an affordable rate for a period of time. The system will be unlocked after the completion of payments. The energy units would be sold on a rolling basis, as the lamps are being sold. The agents and stores will be incentivized through commissions and bonuses from the sales.

Chama Mwewa is the General Manager and Founder of Novus Solar, working with Ibn Kafwanka, the Sales and Marketing Consultant as well as Co-founder. Gertrude Chisenga is the Operations Assistant and Co-Founder of Novus Solar.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• 1550 customers will be reached during the pilot phase.

• 1550 solar lamps will be distributed.

• Fundraise an additional $35000.

FOUNDING TEAM

Chama Mwewa - General Manager

Ibn Kafwanka - Marketing Consultant

Gertrude Chisenga - Operations Assistant

Kwawala Energies

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; MALAWI

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

Kwawala Energies is aimed at improving access to clean, safe, and affordable solar energy products in rural and off-grid households in the last mile communities bordering Mozambique in Mulanje district, Malawi.

Kwawala Energies will distribute sunking pico solar lamps in Mulanje through 12 high-performing Village Agents using the Pay Half and Take model. The lamps will be distributed through 12 high-performing Village Agents to 24 VSLAs in the rural areas of Mulanje. The Village Agents are part of the VSLAs and they are trusted in the community.

Kwawala Energies was founded in 2022 by two motivated young and passionate ladies who have an in-depth understanding of the energy industry in Malawi. Ms. Rachael Kapindu, the Co-founder is a well experienced Project Manager who recently worked with Green Impact Technologies, a leading renewable energy company in Malawi. Ms. Judith Luhanga is also a Co-founder and she has worked as a Marketing Field Officer.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 2500 customers during the pilot phase.

• Distribute 500 solar lamps.

• Fundraise an additional $10, 000 USD from philanthropic organizations.

FOUNDING TEAM

Rachael Kapindu - Managing Director

Judith Luhanga - Marketing Coordinator

Village Solar

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Malawi

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

Village Solar is driven by a mission to empower communities through the provision of accessible and sustainable energy solutions, utilizing a community-driven distribution model. Its current focus is on a pilot project aimed at a rural community lacking reliable electricity, with the goal of demonstrating the efficacy of our model in addressing energy poverty and meeting the unique needs of underserved areas. Through this pilot, they aim to build trust, foster ownership, and establish a scalable framework that can be replicated in various communities.

The long-term vision is to expand impact, bringing reliable and clean energy to numerous communities, transforming lives, and contributing to sustainable development on a larger scale.

The founding team at Village Solar consists of Sungeni Segula and Susanna Simango. Sungeni serves as the CEO, bringing strong leadership and strategic vision to the organization, while Susanna takes on the role of Programs Director, overseeing the implementation and development of our initiatives. Together, they form a dynamic team committed to empowering communities through accessible and sustainable energy solutions.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 1500 beneficiaries in 3 months

• Distribute 300 lamps by using 6 VSLAs

• Fundraise an additional $10000 from new donors or investors within three months

FOUNDING TEAM

Sungeni Segula - CEO

Susanna Simango - Programs Director