Energy 4 Impact has entered into a partnership with SOLARKIOSK to bring energy access to entrepreneurs in rural off-grid communities in Kenya. SOLARKIOSK AG designs, manufactures, implements and operates energy-autonomous and solarpowered retail hubs – E-HUBBs.
The company, after having implemented around 10 connected solar market centers in Rwanda and Tanzania, is implementing its first center in rural Kenya.
The E-HUBB micro-grid capacity has allowed SOLARKIOSK to enable local entrepreneurs in several E-HUBB communities by providing them with infrastructure, energy and connectivity and thus establishing connected solar market centers.
For the first time barbers and hairdressers, small restaurants, motorbike repair shops, tailors, cyber cafés or cinemas will have the chance to grow and thrive alongside the E-HUBB, benefitting not only from reliable renewable energy but also from the increased foot traffic at the market.
Energy 4 Impact will provide business advisory support to SOLARKIOSK to deploy the connected solar market centers, by providing business consulting on the development of a productive use strategy and creating tools for the development of entrepreneurs and customized businesses for the rural market.
“It is exciting to work with SOLARKIOSK and support the company in developing their model further. SOLARKIOSK is one of the early movers in the market and has extensive outreach in the region. Its innovative energy solution allows for adaptation to energy demands of the communities in each country,” said Diana Kollanyi, Energy 4 Impact’s SMEs Advisor. “We see great synergies between SOLARKIOSK’s operations and Energy 4 Impact’s mandate to enhance access to clean energy while creating positive economic impact for businesses on the ground,” said Kollanyi.