WHAT WE DO
shedding light on Africa's energy problem
The lack of modern energy affects the lives of nearly a third of humanity. While many of the world’s poor still remain in extreme poverty, ill-health and in darkness the vicious cycle of poverty continues to affect the lives of millions of people globally. 789 million people globally still lack access to affordable, reliable & clean electricity. The world’s access deficit is increasingly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is home to about 548 million people - more than half of the region’s population and nearly 70% of the global population without access. In Sierra Leone, only 26% of the population have access to electricity, this number drops to 6% in the country's rural areas. Many people are forced to rely upon toxic and expensive kerosene lanterns as their primary source of light. Having access to safe, clean and affordable energy can help break the cycle of poverty.
Greenlight Planet’s Sun King™ Pro 400, one of the products sold by Smiling Through Light
Solution: Igniting Potential Through Solar
Smiling Through Light focuses on clean energy access. We work with a network of local women to provide clean, reliable and sustainable energy in Sierra Leone through the distribution and sale of solar products, focusing on the last mile. By setting up distribution networks and supporting small female-run businesses, the organisation helps communities access safe, clean light technology, whilst simultaneously creating employment and income opportunities. The profits of the company are reinvested in the social enterprise: buying more solar products, providing capacity building training and ongoing support to the women.
Impact: Brightening lives
Smiling through Light aims to transform the lives of millions of women and girls, first in Sierra Leone and then Africa more widely. With a dual focus on creating thriving businesses and access to sustainable energy sources, we will help support economic growth, environmental awareness and tackle air pollution. Access to sustainable energy is vital to securing a cleaner, brighter future for Africa, Smiling through Light is committed to ensuring that the sustainable energy revolution leaves no one behind.
