Bloomberg Philanthropies announced it has made a US$5mn investment in solar-powered lamps designed for use in off-grid populations across Africa
The hand-held lamp, which was designed by Danish artist Olafur Eliasson and engineer Frederik Ottesen, offers affordable energy to places reliant on expensive and toxic kerosene lighting in sub-Saharan Africa, according to Bloomberg Philanthropies.
The lamp is already available in some sub-Saharan African countries including Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal, South Africa and Zimbabwe, the company stated.
“Too many families are forced to breathe in toxic kerosene fumes because they don't have access to electricity,” Bloomberg said in a statement.
“Little Sun is bringing clean, safe, affordable light to people who don't have it today,” Bloomberg added.
The Little Sun company revealed that the lamps can save households around 90 per cent over three years compared to what they spend on kerosene.
“Today, seven out of 10 people lack access to even the most basic electricity in sub-Saharan Africa," said Little Sun managing director and CEO Felix Hallwachs.
"Over the next 20 years, Africa is poised to hold the world's largest un-electrified population,” Hallwachs continued.
