Senegalese-American R&B singer Badara Akon Thiam, has since 2014 embarked on an investment project dubbed ‘Akon Lighting Africa’, expected to light homes using solar systems in about 25 African countries with Rwanda being among the befitting countries.
To ensure the success of the project , Akon works with two other African investors—Senegalese Thione Niang and a Malian Samba Bathily.
Inaugurated in 2014, the project has so far provided job opportunities for 5000 youth in Africa.
In a discussion Akon held with Guardian news medium yesterday, he responded to various questions from around the world about the project via email. Responding to IGIHE journalist about the motivation to invest in Rwanda he said: “We love Rwanda a lot, we think it is growing fast and thought we could make a good contribution.”
He added that patriotism for Africa has attracted him to bring his investments in a smart country for business.
Akon and Thione Niang were born in Kaolack , one of electricity-less cities in Senegal.
This motivated Akon to make his contribution to free future generations from the difficulties of growing up without access to electricity.
On behalf of the government of Rwanda ,the state minister in charge of Energy, Water and Sanitation in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Germaine Kamayirese, told IGIHE that the ministry has not yet confirmed the exact period when Akon’s project will commence in Rwanda .
“The partnership is ongoing as projects require enough time and adequate budget to be implemented,” she said.
About particular regions where the project will be implemented in Rwanda, Kamayirese said; “Akon’s project and other investments in solar power are reserved for areas without access to on-grid electricity.”
The Ministry of Infrastructure, however, confirms that the first phase of preparations on activities to implement Akon’s project will have been completed by the end of this year.
Akon was in Rwanda July 2015, during which visit he held discussions with various government leaders whose duties are associated with promoting investments in energy including the Minister of Infrastructure, James Musoni, the CEO of RDB Francis Gatare among others.
Rwanda is targeting to generate 563 MW of electricity by 2017, enabling 70% households access.
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