Sunny Money – A great case study for grassroots technology and empowerment!

Noble intent always requires an extraordinary effort – An effort that transcends regional identities, linguistic barriers, rich-poor divide and most importantly the human egos. Africa as a region is unsurpassed in terms of natural resources and human capital – and yet the lack of holistic development and social growth is what catches the eye. But, swimming against the stream is what prepares you for the bigger journey and that is what SunnyMoney is all about. With approximately 2 % of electricity grid reaching Africa, there is no other way than to search for alternative energy solutions – we don’t need to look very far with Africa exposed to the highest levels of sunshine in the world.

According to the founders of SynnyMoney –

“SunnyMoney is our microfranchise brand which uses a pioneering technique called microsolar to bring light to the poor whilst creating jobs and offering an alternative to costly and polluting kerosene lighting. Local entrepreneurs receive marketing and commerce training to enable effective distribution of portable solar-powered lighting systems and to ensure the lasting success of their new business. With SunnyMoney, everyone is a winner: the franchisees, their families, their communities and the environment. “

SolarAid | Sunshine on wheels – The Solar Roller from bradbell.tv on Vimeo.

With a firm commitment toward poverty alleviation, the passionate group of humanitarians behind the SunnyMoney is committed to generating jobs and businesses for people – and to create self-sustained entrepreneurs who can inspire the youth of the region.

How SunnyMoney engenders entrepreneurship?

With assistance from Microfinancing institutions, entrepreneurs can buy Microsolar lighting products and sell them to their local community. These loans are sufficient to sustain the businesses of these entrepreneurs. Accompanied by an efficient distribution channel and high quality products (with a warranty), local entrepreneurs can not only earn a livelihood for themselves, but also open doors of opportunity for others in the community.

“Two of the biggest threats facing humanity today are climate change and global poverty. SolarAid helps to combat both by bringing clean, renewable power to the poorest people in the world. “

SunnyMoney is transforming lives across the remotest areas of East and Southern Africa – by installing SunnyMoney products on schools, community centers, hospitals and clinics – also called the macrosolar activities. The microsolar and macrosolar programmes operating in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia, with UK based education project, Sunny Schools, now underway.
Afri-Tech Johannesburg Summit (22^th – 24^th March, 2012) is committed to engender ground level innovation and cooperation between the entrepreneurs and the global scientific community – so that we have greater number of Africa-based innovations in the future.  This summit will witness the congregation of some of the most pioneering minds in the areas of Healthcare, Science & Technology, Education, Finance and Digital solutions – under one platform.