When he’s not singing or producing music, Akon is busy providing sustainable living options to people in African countries. The Senegalese-American singer’s initiative, appropriately called Akon Lighting Africa, aims to supply electricity to 600 million people in Africa who lack it with the launch of the Solar Academy.

Located in Bamako, Mali, the Solar Academy will help African engineers and entrepreneurs develop skills that will enable them to produce solar power. Experts will be on hand to help the participants with training and equipment, according to a Reuters report.

According to Akon Lighting Africa, the goal of the academy is to teach people how to maintain solar-powered electricity systems and microgrids. Both systems have been growing quickly in rural parts of Africa. In a continent that has 320 days of sun a year, roping in its natural resources will be valuable to the solar-energy efforts.

“We have the sun and innovative technologies to bring electricity to homes and communities. We now need to consolidate African expertise,” said Samba Baithily, who founded Akon Lighting Africa with Akon and Thione Niang.
The organization also hopes to create jobs with its initiative.

“We expect the Africans who graduate from this center to devise new, innovative, technical solutions,” said Niang. “With this academy, we can capitalize on Akon Lighting Africa and go further.”

source:www.theroot.com

shopaholic:
When he’s not singing or producing music, Akon is busy providing sustainable living options to people in African countries. The Senegalese-American singer’s initiative, appropriately called Akon Lighting Africa, aims to supply electricity to 600 million people in Africa who lack it with the launch of the Solar Academy.

Located in Bamako, Mali, the Solar Academy will help African engineers and entrepreneurs develop skills that will enable them to produce solar power. Experts will be on hand to help the participants with training and equipment, according to a Reuters report.

According to Akon Lighting Africa, the goal of the academy is to teach people how to maintain solar-powered electricity systems and microgrids. Both systems have been growing quickly in rural parts of Africa. In a continent that has 320 days of sun a year, roping in its natural resources will be valuable to the solar-energy efforts.

“We have the sun and innovative technologies to bring electricity to homes and communities. We now need to consolidate African expertise,” said Samba Baithily, who founded Akon Lighting Africa with Akon and Thione Niang.
The organization also hopes to create jobs with its initiative.

“We expect the Africans who graduate from this center to devise new, innovative, technical solutions,” said Niang. “With this academy, we can capitalize on Akon Lighting Africa and go further.”

source:www.theroot.com

That is what PDP cpouldnt do in 16 years in power.

wow I'm gladly waiting for all this boasting musician in 9ja to do it

This is the best definition of giving back to the society. Instead of waiting for birthday when you invite all the media houses cos you want to give clothes and indomie in an orphanage home.

This nigga still remembers his roots....Nice bro.

shopaholic:



That is what PDP cpouldnt do in 16 years in power.

I think u should be specific here, talk about pple who own oil wells and yet thier areas are like where there are no elites.

What AKon can do,Nigerian Government couldn't.

PedroJP:





I think u should be specific here, talk about pple who own oil wells and yet thier areas are like where there are no elites.

True talk...

All to money owned by some Nigerian's is enough to supply Solar Electricity to every home in Africa. Well done Akon for using you well earned cash for this great initiative.

shopaholic:



That is what PDP cpouldnt do in 16 years in power.

PDP you say? how about your so called rich celebs that snap pics with dolars and rands? or that rich hausa man.. what's his name again.. or the father of that confused female dj.. please don't let your hate for PDP lead you astray

Wizkid ieo

Nice one
Them artist in naija be forming big Bros wit new cars in IG! Them nor fit siddon talk how to help naija

any alternative to phcn is highly welcomed

This is what is called human capital development!

600 million homes .. .. With solar power?
That's not possible at this time
That's too expensive compered to other energy sources
It should take like 10000 to power one home
Do the maths and u will see this nothing but cheap talk