Electricity4allIncreasing access to affordable electricity in off-grid areas.
The enterprise rents out and sells solar battery kits including appliances. The kits are rented out through solar electricity kiosks operated by the enterprise, or sold directly to distributors, retailers and customers. The kiosks are installed in off-grid communities, especially in areas where there are no plans to expand the country’s grid.
Rented kits can be re-charged at the kiosks. One electricity kiosk serves 150 to 500 customers who have the option to use their mobile phone to pay for the rental.
Solar-powered battery packs sold by the enterprise increase entrepreneurial opportunities for off-grid community members by powering their private business ventures, such as shops or barber salons. The increased availability of electricity generates more household income and reduces energy expenditures.
Partners
Electricity4All is a social enterprise that implements solar electricity kiosks and distributes solar energy products in Malawi.
The Scottish Malawi Foundation helped to pilot the electricity kiosk concept in Malawi. Since 2005, SMF has empowered women in Malawi through projects in cooperation with microfinance organisations.
BBOXX is a company operating in more than 14 countries that supplies the solar equipment used by the enterprise and provides maintenance and remote monitoring services.
The Program on Energy and Sustainable Development (PESD) at Stanford University is monitoring the impact of electricity kiosks and will evaluate their socio-economic impact in Malawi.
SEED Library
Supporters
The 2014 SEED Awards in Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia are supported by the Government of Flanders, which is active in Southern Africa.