Lighting Africa 2008: First Global Business Conference for Off-Grid Lighting

Lighting Africa 2008: The First Global Business Conference for Off-Grid Lighting attracted more than 500 participants representing over 50 countries, including a wealth of private sector representatives - lighting manufacturers, service providers, project developers, consultants, and others, as well as a strong representation of civil society groups, governments, donors, and the financing sector. Click on the relevant links below for further detail:

The 16 Development Marketplace Grant Competition Winners at the awards ceremony

Some key conference highlights included:

•      The announcement of the Development Marketplace Grant Competition Winners
•      A successful trade fair of 54 exhibitors
•      The release of Lighting Africa's 5 country preliminary market research results: size, segments, & 

      market opportunity

•      The presentation of successful African market entry strategies from alternative industry sectors
•      An introduction in to various ways to access finance in Africa for business development
•      Sharing of experiences of the global lighting industry and local entrepreneurs and service providers on  lighting opportunities for the poor.

•      Improved understanding of the risks/rewards of investing in lighting projects, programs, and business

     ventures

•      A successful consultation session with Lighting Africa stakeholders to gain critical feedback to support 

     the future development of program activities

While the conference main objectives were to allow participants to network, establish business partnerships, share knowledge and information about the Sub-Saharan African off-grid lighting market, Lighting Africa also seized the opportunity to consult with the industry, collecting feedback, advice and opinions from stakeholders to help shape the program strategy for the future, and ultimately better serve the needs of the Lighting Africa's business community.

The participants responded enthusiastically, providing Lighting Africa with thoughtful insight to direct the program going forward. A the end of the third day of intensive conference sessions, energy was still high, and participants continued to provide guidance to the Lighting Africa team by identifying strategic topic areas they would like to see incorporated into the program.

The response to the conference was overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic, the success exceeded our expectations. Moving forward, Lighting Africa will be integrating stakeholders' comments and perspectives into its action plan.

The Lighting Africa team extends its deepest thanks to all participants, organizers and hosts for their help in contributing to what we hope has marked a monumental step towards bringing light to millions of lives!