Grammy Award winner Akon received an award at the Global Citizen Forum that took place in Montenegro for his work in renewable energy in Africa. Akon’s work in renewable energy in Africa falls under his “Akon Lighting Africa” initiative. The initiative’s goal is to electrify all countries in Africa.
Akon Lighting Africa was launched in 2014 by Akon with the help of Samba Bathily and ThioneNiang. The main scope of this project is to provide renewable energy in Africa, and solar energy was chosen as their medium to achieve this goal.
The initiative is now operating in 17 countries, including Akon’s home country of Senegal. The project involves the electrification of African countries by providing street lamps, solar micro generators, and household electric systems at various localities.
The initiative has set up private-public partnerships and partnerships with governments to oversee the project. Not only is the project clean and environmentally-friendly it is also a source of employment through direct and indirect jobs for the youth.