Akon might have pressed pause to his musical career, but when it comes to charity and giving back to the community he is indefatigable. His latest initiative, Akon Lighting Africa, aims to bring electricity to 600 million living on the Dark Continent and has just announced the launch of the Solar Academy.
Based in the capital of Mali, Bamako, the institution will teach African engineers and entrepreneurs the knowledge and skill needed to develop solar power, such as how to install and maintain solar-powered electricity systems as well as micro grids, which are already trending in rural Africa. Relying on solar energy is an adequate solution which might put an end to the widespread lack of electricity in Africa, since the natives enjoy 320 days of sunshine a year.
“We have the sun and innovative technologies to bring electricity to homes and communities. We now need to consolidate African expertise,” said Samba Baithily, co-founded of Akon Lighting Africa.”
Unemployment is another issue in Africa, thus creating sustainable work positions is also vital.
“We expect the Africans who graduate from this center to devise new, innovative, technical solutions,” added Thione Niang, the third co-founder of the “With this Academy, we can capitalize on Akon Lighting Africa and go further.”
The Solar Academy is scheduled to open this summer. The group announced its launch at the second United Nations Sustainable Energy for All Forum in New York.
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