Tanzania
Strategic Energy
Little Sun is bringing clean, solar light to off-grid communities in Tanzania, in partnership with renewable energy supplier Strategic Energy, supported by a loan from SunFunder.
Strategic Energy and SNV-Netherlands Development Organisation is training local Tanzanian entrepreneurs to market and sell Little Sun lamps to those in need of sustainable light. These Little Sun sales agents will make income on every lamp sold, plus bonuses.
With only 21% of the population able to access electricity, there is great demand in Tanzania for clean and affordable sources of light.
“We understand the social impact of selling Little Sun solar lamps and see this in terms of a high-growth business investment,” says Strategic Energy CEO Mohamed Said Nachiwa. “With this mass potential we decided to step in to meet market demand.”
SunFunder Founder and CEO Ryan Levinson highlights what a difference SunFunder loans can make: “Access to reliable finance is the main barrier preventing solar energy providers from reaching scale. We are excited to work with Strategic Energy and help them grow and scale their solar distribution in Tanzania, starting with an inventory loan for Little Sun solar lamps.”
Many rural and peri-urban Tanzanians use toxic and dangerous fuel-based lighting like kerosene lanterns and must purchase fuel daily, which is the second highest expense in the average Tanzanian household budget. Using Little Sun solar lamps solves these issues for Tanzanians.
Says Mason Huffine, Little Sun Africa Business and Sales Manager,
“Little Sun is excited to be working with Strategic Energy to bring Little Sun solar light to Tanzania. I am looking forward to being on-the-ground in Tanzania working with local entrepreneurs to distribute clean, reliable, affordable Little Sun light.”
