Sahelia Solar

The new SEED case study series 2018 showcases how innovative eco-inclusive start-up enterprises in Africa shape sustainable development on the ground. The individual case studies are enhanced with short multimedia features on the enterprise’s innovation and impact as well as the partnership and support from SEED.

This case study presents Sahelia Solar. The eco-inclusive enterprise is located in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, and specialises in the design and supply of a range of solar energy systems. Electrification rates in Burkina Faso’s rural areas are only slightly above 6%. 85% of households remain reliant on greenhouse gas emitting kerosene and diesel for lighting and power generation. The use of these energy sources contributes significantly to climate change and also causes health problems such as tuberculosis and asthma through indoor pollution.

Solar energy installations allow customers to access clean, reliable systems, thereby reducing their reliance on the limited and inconsistent national grid. Sahelia offers both pre-pay and pay-as-you go (PAYG) models. The latter l is an innovative way to provide a cost-effective and demand-oriented pathway to finance modern energy services in low income communities.

The product range comprises solar back-up systems as an alternative energy source for customers who are already connected to the national energy network, solar kits for rural and remote communities who require night-time lighting, and solar hot water systems.

Further publications in the 2018 Case Study Series:

• Belle - Vere: Creating sustainable communities in Mauritius through a closed-loop waste management system. SEED Case Study (Februar 2018)

• WASHking - Upgrading sanitation in low-income urban households in Ghana (Februar 2018)

• Unique Quality Product Enterprise -  Empowering marginalised women in Ghana through reviving the cultivation of indigenous crops (Februar 2018)
• YICE Uganda - Improving access to training, funding and markets for rural farmers (Februar 2018)
• Safi Organics - Empowering smallholder farmers in Kenya through an agricultural circular economy (Februar 2018)