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16 February, 2012 2.5 million people with better light –  another 597.5 million to go
2.5 million people in Africa now have access to better lighting thanks to the efforts of the Lighting Africa and its partners, with over 500,000 quality off-grid lighting lamps sold on the continent.
1 February, 2012 REMINDER: Quality Assurance Framework Web Conference- Feb 7/3PM GMT
Thank you to all who generously provided comments during the initial feedback period.
27 January, 2012 Skoll Awards: apply before March, 1
The application process for the 2013 Skoll Awards is open from January 4 – March 1, 2012.
26 January, 2012 d.light and Nuru Energy nominated as Finalists for Prestigious Global Energy Prize
Congratulations to d.light and Nuru Energy,  for their success in being nominated finalists for this year’s Zayed Future Energy Prize.
26 January, 2012 ToughStuff turns on the light in refugee camp
he 40,000 refugees in the camp of Melkadida , Dolloa Ado, who fled the Somali conflict and the worst famine to hit East Africa in 20 years, lack food, water, proper shelter and light.
24 January,2012 Watch the Lighting Africa video now in French
15 January, 2012 Three New Products Pass LA Quality Tests
Products were tested for battery capacity, charge controller, run time, lighting service, charging behavior, mechanical durability, and long-term lumen degradation.
11 January, 2012 Lighting Africa on CNN.com: Solar lamps replace toxic kerosene in poorest countries
In a feature on off-grid lighting, Lighting Africa explains how the private sector is providing solutions to communities who do not have access to electricity.
9 January, 2012 Attention Quality Assurance Stakeholders! Reminder: Last day to submit initial comments is January 16th!
In January 2012 Lighting Africa plans to update its Quality Assurance (QA) Framework based on program experience and stakeholder input from across the value chain.
6 January, 2012 Two new Community Power from Mobile Reports Released
GSMA has recently released two new Community Power from Mobile white papers.
30 December, 2011 Two more awards for Barefoot Power!
Barefoot Power was named Small Company of the Year at the Australian Sustainability Awards. Barefoot Power also won the 2011 Katerva Energy & Power Award.
30 December, 2011 Solar lamps for disaster relief
Elephant Energy, a non for profit organization that works to increase access to energy in Namibia, distributed solar-powered lighting and charging technologies to flood victims in six regions of Namibia in July and August 2011. Elephant Energy then assessed the benefits of these technologies in a disaster situation by conducting survey with the lamps’ users. The surveys show that clean energy technologies can provide great benefits in the disaster-relief context.
30 December, 2011 Solux e.V. nominated for an Energy Globe Award
Solux e.V was nominated for a Energy Globe Award for its One-Child-One-Solar-Light" project in Ghana. Since 2008, the project has been providing portable solar lamps for school children who do not have access to the electrical grid in rural Ghana.
28 December, 2011 Solanterns nominated as top 10 LAUNCH Energy Innovator
The Solanterns Initiative has been nominated as by LAUNCH and its founding partners— NASA, USAID, US Department of State and NIKE— as one of this year’s 10 LAUNCH “Energy Innovators”. Selected from among 200 submissions reviewed by a diverse panel of experts from government, industry, investment and research sectors, Solanterns was among the ten finalists chosen for their for their “groundbreaking ideas for the provision of more sustainable energy sources and improved access to energy for both developed and developing world populations.”
27 December, 2011 Nordic Climate Change facility launched third call for proposals
The Nordic Climate Change Facility (NCF) has launched the third call for proposals on “Innovative low-cost climate solutions with focus on local business development” in eligible developing countries.
22 December, 2011 Take part in the G20 Challenge!
IFC and the G20 launched earlier this month a new competition that will recognize emerging market companies that provide critical goods, services or livelihood opportunities to the 4 billion people living at the base of the pyramid. The Group of 20 has requested IFC to manage the competition.
21 December, 2011 Stay tuned for the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa's seed funding!
The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) will provide seed funding for up to a total of 8 million USD for innovative small/medium-scale clean energy and energy efficiency projects in Africa. SEFA will accept proposals from January 2012.

 

The seed funding will provide grants of up to USD 1 million to cover up-front development costs, from pre-feasibility studies and PPP preparation to assistance in achieving financial close.
20 December, 2011  Lighting Africa Quality Assurance Framework to be updated: Seeking your feedback!
In January 2012 Lighting Africa plans to update its Quality Assurance (QA) Framework based on our program experience and stakeholder input from across the value chain. Quality Assurance is a cornerstone of the Lighting Africa program. Tell us what you think!
15 December, 2011 Uganda student uses off-grid lighting for phone charging business, boasting earnings and higher marks in school
Bakole is a Primary seven pupil at the Ojuku Primary school, in the Maracha-terego District of Aii-Vuu Sub-County, Uganda.  With the help of his Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA),Bakole was able to purchase a Barefoot Power Firefly™ 12Mobile lamp. He uses the lamp to run a business charging mobile phones and to study at night, both of which have dramatically changed his life for the better.
14 December, 2011 Putting household energy on the climate change agenda
The African Energy Ministers Conference, “Road to Durban: Promoting Sustainable Energy Access in Africa,” that took place in Johannesburg on September 15-16, 2011, recognized the potential of low-cost household energy solutions, such as solar LED lighting, in advancing its access for energy agenda.
1 December, 2011 Lighting Africa opens the path for carbon financing
The United Nations Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Executive Board just approved an update to the methodology for crediting emissions reductions from clean off-grid lighting, bringing it  into close alignment with Lighting Africa’s quality assurance framework.
30 November, 2011 New energy policy in the making in Kenya
Lighting Africa facilitated the Kenya Renewable Energy Association (KEREA) stakeholder deliberations on the Kenyan draft National Energy Policy, on 29 November in Nairobi.
29 November, 2011 Nuru – Beyond Solar
There is more to modern off-grid lighting than solar lamps. While most (19) of Lighting Africa supported products are solar portable lanterns, one new product has just joined the program and introduced an innovative dynamo powered technology.
22 November, 2011 Lighting Africa releases new Briefing Note: LED Electronic Control Circuits for Off-grid Lighting Products
Lighting Africa is pleased to release Issue 7 in its Technical Briefing Note series. This issue introduces basic concepts in electronic design for low power off-grid lighting products and suggests ways to improve electrical  efficiency.
18 November, 2011 REMINDER: Application deadline for the 2012 Outstanding Product Awards is December 20, 2011
Lighting Global seeks to recognize outstanding off-grid lighting products that are available for purchase by people without electricity access in countries like Senegal, Kenya or India.
14 November, 2011 Better light for more people
Nearly 600 million people in Africa – about 70 percent of the population – lack electricity and rely on expensive and polluting lighting sources such as kerosene lamps and candles.
3 November, 2011 d.light founder Wins National Peace Corps’ 2011 Shriver Award
Sam Goldman, founder of d.light Design, won this year’s National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) Sargent Shriver Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Service, including a $1,000 award at the Promise of the Peace Corps Gala held on September 24, 2011 in Washington, DC.
1 November, 2011 L’éclairage solaire pour la base de la pyramide – panorama d’un marché emergent
Lighting Africa just released the French version of Solar Lighting for the Base of the Pyramid – Overview of an Emerging Market.
27 October, 2011 Putting household energy on the climate change agenda
The African Energy Ministers Conference, titled “Road to Durban: Promoting Sustainable Energy Access in Africa” , that took place in Johannesburg 15-16 September, recognized the potential of low-cost household energy solutions, such as solar LED lighting, in advancing its access for energy agenda.
26 October, 2011 Off-grid Lighting Sector in Africa Shows Positive Growth
450% growth is sales in 2011 over 2010.  Consumers are better equipped to make buying decisions in today’s market.
26 October, 2011 Better and more: new round of products pass LA quality tests & what it means for the market
Six new products passed Lighting Africa quality tests in the latest round of testing, bringing the total number to 14 products.
25 October, 2011 SOLUX brings solar light to pregnant mothers and Aids orphans in Uganda
The Adult Education College in Bad Alexandersbad, Germany has partnered with two Ugandan communities to bring solar light to community projects.
6 October, 2011 New report: African Women Stand to Gain from Modern Off-Grid Lighting
A new report from the joint IFC/World Bank Lighting Africa Program finds that women in Africa are both important beneficiaries and key facilitators of the modern off-grid lighting revolution.
25 September, 2011 Six new products passed Lighting Africa quality tests
Products were tested for battery capacity, charge controller, run time, lighting service, charging behavior, mechanical durability, and long-term lumen degradation.
24 September, 2011 3rd International Off-Grid Lighting Conference & Trade Fair
Hosted by Lighting Africa and the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association, Lighting Africa’s 3rd International Off-Grid Lighting Conference and Trade Fair will take place in October 2012 in Dakar, Senegal.
21 September, 2011 Lighting Africa releases new video: Solar lighting for Africa’s development
This video shows how un-electrified low income households and small businesses in rural Kenya have switched from kerosene lamps to portable solar lanterns, and what benefits clean, modern lighting has brought them.
16 September, 2011

New Lighting Africa report looks at policy barriers to clean off-grid lighting
Lighting Africa is preparing a report that identifies key policy barriers to the adoption of modern lighting products and services, and recommendations for their mitigation in eight countries: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tanzania

Summary in English
11 August, 2011 Innovative rural employers keep pace with employees' needs
"I was buying a full jerry can [of kerosene] costing Ksh 600/- ($ 6.4) for my father and mum every month, only for them to see.  Then my brother's children were coming to my mother's house to study," said Rebecca Muthiani, employee of Tambuzi Farm, in Nanyuki, Kenya, whose income supports a large extended family.
27 July, 2011 Lighting Africa Releases New Briefing Note: Optical Control Techniques for Off-Grid Lighting Products
Lighting Africa is pleased to release Issue 6 in its Briefing Note series, "Optical Control Techniques for Off-Grid Lighting Products."
25 July, 2011 Portable Solar Lanterns donated by USAID to help break the cycle of poverty
"The solar lights are working well.  Once you charge it all day, it will still be on throughout the night," said Mr.Wainaina, from Kayole, Nairobi.
21 July, 2011 Lighting Africa Releases July '11 Newsletter edition
Lighting Africa has recently circulated the latest edition of its newsletter, Issue 20, July 2011. If you haven't had a chance to review it yet, you can access it from the Lighting Africa homepage under "quick links"
05 July,2011 Lighting Africa Featured in Fast Company Magazine: "Lighting Africa Illuminates A New Market"
FOR NEARLY 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, sundown means living, working, and studying by flickering candlelight or polluting kerosene lamps.
28 June, 2011 Lighting Africa releases updated QA framework
Lighting Africa recently launched an updated framework for quality assurance to best support the market over the long term as the industry matures.
28 June, 2011 Green Energy Loans for the Poor
Microfinance institutions in Ghana are leading efforts to bring affordable solar lighting to the poor. The Christian Rural Aid Network (CRAN) is one such institution aiming to provide energy loans to 20,000 people over the next 18 months.  
28 June, 2011 PV Tax Cut in Kenya
Players in the solar energy market recently won a reprieve when the government removed tax on imported raw materials for the manufacture of solar panels.
16 June, 2011 Portable Solar lights in Commercial Farming – Illuminating the Pecking Order
Mr. Karanu successfully runs a commercial chicken farm in MaaiMahiu, Kenya with no connection to the grid.
10 June, 2011 Targeting Schools to reach whole communities
"Not many families can use kerosene at home now," said Dr Moody, a local doctor, businessman and resident of Mafia Island off the southeast coast of Tanzania, referring to climbing fuel prices.
26 May, 2011 Farm workers' enjoy benefits of solar lighting
'When I put in the new solar lights, my kid thought it was electricity and told me to turn on the TV!  There's no difference to mains power, the solar is very bright. Jacinta has a generator which she is not using at the moment, as it uses up 200/- worth of petrol per evening.
20 May, 2011 Save the date for the 3rd International Off-Grid Lighting Conference and Trade Fair, Dakar
27 April, 2011 Faulu – Reaching the Base of the Pyramid with Off-Grid Lighting
Faulu Advisory Services (FAS), a subsidiary of Faulu Kenya Deposit Taking Microfinance Institution (FKDTM)
21 April, 2011 How much does kerosene really cost?
People in rural areas spend an average of 30% more for kerosene than people who live in urban centers. 
14 April, 2011 Distribution of quality tested products ramps up and out
In August of 2010, only 30 retail outlets were selling products that passed Lighting Africa quality test and 95% of the vendors were electrical shops.
18 March, 2011 Kick off meeting of the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association
Twelve international companies congregated in New Delhi, India, mid February to attend the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association 'kick-off meeting'.
1 March, 2011 Lighting Africa Report Will Help New Players Enter Africa's Off-Grid Lighting Market
Lighting Africa has released a comprehensive report on the off-grid lighting market in Sub-Saharan Africa that features a wealth of information on consumer behavior and trends in the fast-growing, alternative lighting industry. 
14 February, 2011 New solar lamp passes Lighting Africa quality tests
The SunTransfer 1, an LED lamp from SunTransfer, has just passed Lighting Africa quality tests for system level performance, component performance, durability, and manufacturing quality.
31 January, 2011 University of Nairobi conducts first low cost tests for solar lamps
6 December, 2010 Lighting Africa's Consumer Education Campaign is in Full Swing
It takes more than good products to make consumers move to clean energy.Lighting Africa, a joint IFC and World Bank program, has launched an education campaign to encourage rural populations in Kenya to adopt solar lighting Read more
2010 Lighting Africa is Starting in Ethiopia, Mali, Senegal and Tanzania 
In October 2010, Lighting Africa expanded into Mali and Senegal. This is the first time that the joint IFC/World Bank program starts work in francophone countries, building on its work in Kenya and Ghana. Read more
2010 Lighting Africa Outstanding Product Award
Lighting Africa is pleased to announce the list of products that have passed its off-grid lighting product quality testing specification. The manufacturers of these products are now eligible to become Associates of Lighting Africa.Read more
06 July, 2010 Lighting Africa Conference Energizes the Sector
IFC and the World Bank have reached key milestones toward transforming the off-grid lighting market in Africa following a conference in Nairobi...Read more
19 May, 2010 Winners Picked as Best Off-Grid Lighting Products in Sub-Saharan Africa
The World Bank Group's Lighting Africa Program today selected five innovative products as the best able to deliver safe, reliable and cost-effective lighting Read more
18 December, 2009 Lighting Africa DOE Dec 18 2009
Lighting Africa, a World Bank and IFC program aimed at providing safe and affordable off-grid lighting to millions of people in Africa, today welcomes support from a new US government... Read more
17-20 May, 2010 Lighting Africa Product Awards 2010 (French)
Lighting Africa entend récompenser les meilleurs produits d'éclairage fonctionnant hors-réseaux électriques qui sont en vente en République Démocratique du Congo Read more
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