Understanding the level of energy access required across such a diverse continent as Africa remains an on-going challenge for potential investors to determine project bankability. Senegalese musician Akon and his partners Samba Bathily and Thione Niang have launched Akon Lighting Africa, an innovative initiative focusing on beyond the grid investment in Africa.

Solektra International will introduce the initiative to delegates attending the Powering Africa: Summit conference in Washington D.C. next week organized by EnergyNet, which focuses on investment into Africa's power sector.

Simon Gosling, Managing Director of EnergyNet, commented on the success of the initiative: "Having researched Akon Lighting Africa and spoken to nearly 50 highly experienced investors, EnergyNet has reached the following conclusions:

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