Source: www.nl.wakawaka.com

WakaWaka ('Shine Bright' in Swahili) develops, manufactures and markets high-tech, low-cost solar powered lamps and chargers. The social enterprise is active in a number of developing countries, marketing its products to households that use kerosene or other non-renewable sources of lighting in predominantly rural areas. WakaWaka’s Buy-One-Gift-One business models means that for every product sold in the West, WakaWaka donates one light to affiliated humanitarian aid partners. Partners in turn distribute these units for free to refugees and displaced persons in affected areas, including countries like Syria, Haiti, and most recently Nepal. WakaWaka have also set up a Pay-as-You-Go solar lighting scheme in Rwanda, making this technology accessible to low-income users.

Replacing kerosene lamps with off-grid solar powered products saves money, increases safety, allows children to do their homework and increases income-generating capacity for families as a whole. This switch also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which can be monetised through international carbon markets.