Barefoot Power Uganda is a social enterprise focused on distributing Barefoot™ solar lighting and charging systems to people at the base of the global economic pyramid.
Through a specialized “business in a bag” training program, dedicated entrepreneurs develop micro-franchises enabling them to earn living distributing safe, affordable, healthy alternatives to kerosene and candles. Barefoot Power Uganda also partners with solar dealers, non-governmental organizations, community organizations and micro-finance institutions that provide outlets for product sales, awareness-building activities, and innovative financial support systems and after sales warranty service.
The main focus of the company is to provide affordable lighting and phone charging products specifically for low income populations that do not have access to electricity. The company believes that energy access is one of the key building blocks of economic development and the first step to alleviate energy poverty. Thus the first area of focus is on the most basic need for clean and affordable lighting.
Barefoot Power distributes solar lighting, phone charging, laptop charging and solar, television, refrigeration systems. The products that Barefoot Power distributes include; The Firefly desk lamps, Barefoot Connect series and Barefoot Go lamps.
The company’s products are available in the subsidiary offices in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Bangalore in India, America.
With regards to trends, experts in the company noted that there is more interest in renewable energy as compared to previous years, awareness with regard to renewable energy options has improved. More companies have invested in not only solar operations, but also improvement in the technology, including fee for service technology, pay plan technology and many others. Solar cells are becoming more affordable. There is considerable growth in the sector in distribution, products design, people’s knowledge base, awareness and even pricing.
Contribution:
Barefoot Power Uganda
Anne Kayiwa
www.barefootpower.com and
www.barefootpoweruganda.com
