Solar Energy Powers Akon’s Latest Project

You might know him more for his music, but Akon has recently unveiled a project that shows the true power of solar energy on a global scale. The Akon Lighting Africa project has begun moving toward the end goal of 600 million African homes pumping full of electricity, and it does this with the power of the sun.

Akon himself is a Sengalese-American, and along with Thione Niang and founder Samba Baithily, Akon’s “Solar Academy” works to educate African engineers and entrepreneurs on how to build and maintain solar energy equipment. By teaching the community the proper upkeep and maintenance of these installations, they will then not only educate others, but they will be supplying life-supporting energy to communities across the continent.

The Academy is due to open in the capitol of Mali, in a city called Bamako, and like the rest of Africa, it gets 320 days of sun each year. This is yet another reason solar is the key to electricity throughout Africa, and all it takes is the right technology. The difference between light and darkness is a single solar panel. If Akon Lighting Africa is successful in its campaign, it will make be a significant change in the lives of millions, and it all started with solar energy.

In Africa today, 70 percent of the population is under the age of 35, which means sustainable jobs are a must in many communities. But the organization plans to change that, bringing about long-term benefits with the help of Europe’s top solar experts.

The Akon Lighting Africa initiative is yet another fine example of the positive changes solar energy can make in the world. Education and clean energy go hand-in-hand, and the “Solar Academy” will no doubt be the proof of that.