An estimated 600 million people without grid connection in Africa spend a significant part of their household incomes on fuel-based lighting. This amounts to $10 billion per year in Sub-Saharan Africa and about $25-38 billion globally (out of a $185 billion global lighting market). However, this and other market information is largely difficult to obtain. As a result, the lighting industry has not had the confidence that it can earn the returns needed to justify the costs of doing business in this market.

Most individual firms would not be able to shoulder “first mover” costs and risks associated with entering the sustainable lighting market. These new entrants require significant investment to understand and exploit consumer preferences, market insights and appropriate distribution models.

Lighting Africa significantly reduces the risks for new entrants by making market information available to the industry.  The program conducts market research, analyzes distribution networks and assesses market trends to help the industry make informed decisions. Lighting Africa’s market intelligence help manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and distributors understand market opportunities. The insight helps manufacturers design products to meet consumer needs, identifies partners across the supply chain, and develops business models tailored to local market needs and conditions.

Lighting Africa’s market intelligence includes:

• Market Research
• Market Trends Assessment

To date, 19 companies used Lighting Africa market research reports to directly inform their product design or their business and marketing strategies.