KARIBU Solar Power - Sankalp Africa Finalist
Channel: Sankalp Forum
Date: 2014-03-28

KARIBU Solar Power is an innovative social enterprise that makes solar lighting (and mobile phone charging) affordable at the price point of kerosene via a modular solar lamp and social business model while creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.  By splitting up the components of a solar lamp (solar panel + rechargeable battery/charger + light), they split up the payments, making it affordable to even the poorest families in rural areas, leading to reduced CO2 emissions / toxic fumes, and extending study hours for children. In addition, money stays in the community instead of being spent on kerosene, spurring local economic development.