Switch On Africa

Switch On! Africa is a campaign to increase access to energy in West Africa by creating solar schools and clinics that will become the hubs in smart, renewable energy networks.

We take public and corporate donations and use them to install solar PV energy systems in off-grid areas that will provide free energy for schools and clinics. But we don't just give a gift and leave: we work with a local entrepreneur to sell the surplus electricity to the community to power their homes and businesses.

After about two years, the entrepreneur has paid off the system and will own it outright. We take the money and do the same all over again–and again, as many times as possible. And when the local people invest in their own solar kits, our energy management system can integrate them all together into a truly smart micro-grid based around the original installation.

In this way we advance education and health, facilitate local utility businesses, create work for electricians, carpenters, and masons, and power small businesses in the communities we work with. We also reduce the CO2 emissions from kerosene lighting and the negative health impacts of indoor soot.

Join our movement to Switch On, break the cycle of aid dependency, and unlock the massive potential of West African communities!