Lack of electricity is a major hindrance for many in Africa. For school going children, it affects hours of study, completion of their homework, revision for exams and other curriculum activities which are to be done at home.
According to the International Energy Agency, 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa. In Botswana, with a population of 2.5 million, access to electricity stood at 72 per cent in 2020, according to the World Bank. Sustainable Energy for All points out that the country has reached 77 per cent electricity access for the urban population, while in rural areas is still limited to 37 per cent, although increasing.
For Mr. Liphi, the chance meeting with the student, and the fact that Botswana is endowed with over 3,000 of sunshine annually, according to global solar data agency; Solargis.com, prompted him to create a pioneering solar backpack brand dubbed ‘Chedza,’ which means light in English.
The solar-powered invention is a compact backpack, made from durable, waterproof canvas, and includes an integrated solar panel which absorbs and stores sunlight during the day for use later at night.
“The LED light can last up to 7 hours,” he says.
The solar backpack charges small gadgets that school children in rural areas can use to access educational material online, and in the process advance digital learning.
Each backpack costs $54. Chedza has sold more than 100 backpacks so far. There is a plan to make the product accessible to the learners who cannot afford it.
“Our main objective is to partner with the government, NGOs and corporates to procure these bags from us for donation to learners from communities who cannot afford them,” Mr. Liphi said in an interview.
