Akon Launches Solar Academy In Mali

In 2008 he used his star power to shine a light on a then unknown artist named Lady Gaga.

In 2015 he uses the same tool to bring light to millions of Africans without it.

Who we’re referring to? Akon.

What he’s done?

Find out below…

The Senegalese singer learned on the continent’s need for electricity so developed the Solar Academy to teach people how to make the most of natural energy in their day to day lives.

The Root reports:

The Senegalese-American singer’s initiative, appropriately called Akon Lighting Africa, aims to supply electricity to 600 million people in Africa who lack it, with the launch of a Solar Academy.

Located in Bamako, Mali, the Solar Academy will help African engineers and entrepreneurs develop skills that will enable to them to produce solar power. Experts will be on hand to help the participants with training and equipment, according to a Reuters report.

According to Akon Lighting Africa, the goal of the academy is to teach people how to maintain solar-powered electricity systems and microgrids.Both systems have been growing fast in rural parts of Africa. With a country that has 320 days of sun a year, roping in the natural resources will be valuable to their solar energy efforts.

“We have the sun and innovative technologies to bring electricity to homes and communities. We now need to consolidate African expertise,” said Samba Baithily, who founded Akon Lighting Africa with Akon and Thione Niang.

“We expect the Africans who graduate from this center to devise new, innovative, technical solutions,” said Niang. “With this Academy, we can capitalize on Akon Lighting Africa and go further.”

Akon hopes to create job opportunities with his new venture, doing so after he announced plans to release five new studio albums all at once.

More on that, here.