LIGHT UP AFRICA

I was at a 1871 impact engine demo day last night and had a wonderful experience watching start-ups show off their products. All of these entrepreneur had one thing in common they had products with socioeconomic impact as well as great business models.

I was truly impressed with Light up Africa. I am one of the few in that attendee group who can truly say that I did not have electricity until age 11. I experienced everything they talked about kerosene oil lanterns. The smell, the danger and the darkness were constant reminders of living in the lights out environment. The impact this loss of light has on individuals freedom for additional family, study or artisan work time.

I was impressed with the business model. The business model creates entrepreneur as a side effect of the product life cycle. This can become infectious across continent. This has a initial impact for Africa but this model is also well suited for rural India, China and Latin America. I can also see this well suited model for sports enthusiast who are on the go for hikes or other long duration activities without availability of a charging station.