Did Akon get a loan from China?

While Akon was working to get that project off the ground, he found challenges with the amount of taxation that surrounds solar powered energy. As a result, he did seek aid from Chinese investors to get the project off the ground.

Did Akon really provide electricity?

Musician Akon has provided 14 African nations with solar-powered electricity via street lamps and solar panels as part of “Akon Lighting Africa,” a project aimed at providing the continent of Africa with low-cost, sustainable electricity.

How many people did Akon bring electricity to?

Their initial technique is to install Solar street lights and small energy systems. The projects provided electricity in 14 African countries as of 2015 and employed over 5000 people, and Akon said they have reached 1 million households in African nations with their projects.

What did Akon do for his country?

Akon, whose real name is Aliaune Thiam, started a group in 2014 that backs solar energy projects in the rural parts of many African countries. The inspiration for Akon Lighting Africa was deeply personal: He found his grandmother was still using candles in Senegal to light her home.

How is Akon doing his business in Africa?

Akon, for one, doesn’t pretend that his project is philanthropy. “It’s definitely not a charity,” he says. “It is a for-profit company. The way I would categorize it, really, is just social entrepreneurship. We do our business in Africa that’s not [just] to help people, but empower them to make their money in the process.”

Where did Akon from Akon Lighting come from?

According to Akon (Aliaune Thiam, born in Missouri), he and Thione Niang grew up in Kaolack Region, Senegal, in a town without electricity. In 2013 both decided to help drive Africa’s transformation. Samba Bathily joined them and provided targeted solutions through his company, Solektra INT, which supplies solar-powered equipment.

How is Akon trying to remake the continent?

But appearing on the kinetic-energy-and-solar-powered pitch, the first of its kind on the continent, is just a small part of Akon’s ambitious efforts in his homeland.

Where did Akon and Thione Niang grow up?

According to Akon (Aliaune Thiam, born in Missouri), he and Thione Niang grew up in Kaolack Region, Senegal, in a town without electricity. In 2013 both decided to help drive Africa’s transformation.