Senegalese-American urban singer Akon may just have devised a solution to the Eskom load shedding crisis. According to Eurweb, Akon is scheduled to bring an academy to the Malian capital of Bamako that will provide electricity to 600-million Africans in various countries that are currently in need of it. The academy will train African engineers and entrepreneurs on how to develop solar power for the continent.
Samba Baithily, who co-founded Akon Lighting Africa along with Akon and Thione Niang, said: “We have the sun and innovative technologies to bring electricity to homes and communities. We now need to consolidate African expertise. We expect Africans who graduate from this centre to devise new, innovative, technical solutions. With this academy, we can capitalize on Akon Lighting Africa and go further.”
It is most refreshing to see hip-hop artists giving back to their communities and helping those in need. Hats off to Akon for kick-starting this initiative.