SolarAid

SolarAid is on a mission to eradicate the kerosene lamp from Africa. The MSFF has supported SolarAid’s work to provide access to affordable solar lights in remote, rural communities across the continent.

Photographer: Corrie Wingate

Most notably, the MSFF supported SolarAid’s game-changing pilot of the original SM100 solar light; recognising that the existing $10 solar lights were not accessible for many families, SolarAid created and distributed this new $5 solar model in late 2016. Its affordability means that millions of families in Africa can now afford to make the switch from toxic, dangerous and expensive kerosene to clean, safe and affordable solar lights for the very first time.

The MSFF’s support has directly enabled SolarAid to reach 152,250 people through solar light – and has leveraged further support through matched funding to reach a total of 305,500 people. Because of this: £10.2 million that would have been spent on kerosene has been saved by families to spend on food, education and improving livelihoods; 70.4 million extra study hours have been created for children; 74,280 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been averted; and 149,400 people are now experiencing better health across Africa.

“Candles used to cause frequent fires in this area. Now there are not so many because of your solar lights.”
Felix Mandia, Teacher at Mapanza Primary School, Zambia