From forgotten star to African hero, Akon has been lighting up Africa. Unbeknownst to many, this music star has been the founder of an organization called “Akon Lighting Africa.” This organization was founded with the purpose of providing electricity to the rural areas of Africa that, until now, either had no electricity or relied on toxic fuels such as kerosene for their energy source. Not only is this organization providing electricity, but they are doing so in a clean, efficient manner through solar energy. On the “Akon Lighting Africa” website it is stated that the organization “seeks to provide a concrete response at grass roots level to Africa’s energy crisis and lay the foundations for future development.” The founders of this organization are Akon, an R&B singer from the United States, Samba Bathily, a Malian actor and businessman, and Thione Niang, a man originally from Senegal who went on to become an American politician.

This organization has been very quick in their work as they have provided electricity to the rural areas of 14 countries in Africa over a period of less than one year. This electricity is in the form of streetlamps, domestic kits, and individual kits. Many schools, houses, and health centers in these villages of Africa have been connected to electricity for the first time ever.

By partnering with the companies Solektra, Give1 Project, Akon Corp, Huawei, Sumec and Nari, as well as making positive relations with leaders of countries, “Akon Lighting Africa” has been able to invest about 75,000 dollars into each village they provide electricity for. From what they say too, they aren’t done yet. Samba Bathily, a co-founder of “Akon Lighting Africa” states, “Until now we [have] used USD 240 million out of one billion dollars that we have at our disposal. We are present in 14 countries and want to expand into an additional 30 countries very soon.” This investment also provides direct and indirect jobs for these villages. The direct jobs come in the form of helping install the solar panels or any other activity within the organization while the indirect jobs come in the form of what’s made possible by the electricity. Whether its night transports, restaurants, or just small businesses who can now have longer hours, many new facets of employment are now available.

By providing electricity to these once lightless areas of Africa, a huge impact is being made. With this new electricity, students can now study into the night, decrease the use of dangerous fuels in the home such as kerosene, allow businesses to expand their hours, etc.  Thione Niang, another co-founder, says the impact is felt by everyone involved stating, “You just know you’ve done the right thing when you see grown men and women crying in wonder because it’s the first time they’ve ever seen artificial light.”

“Akon Lighting Africa” has no doubt made an incredible impact on the entire continent of Africa and plans to make an even larger one this year by expanding to more countries. Next time you think of Akon, don’t just think of a music star, also think of an African, no, human hero.