Expanding women's role in Africa's modern off-grid lighting market: enhancing profitability and improving lives

Abstract

Women in Africa are both important beneficiaries and key facilitators of the modern off-grid lighting revolution. Affordable products using technologies like micro-solar power and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can replace fuel-based lighting – enabling women and men to save money, reduce indoor pollution, and operate their small enterprises with reliable, clean lighting. This article discusses new research from Lighting Africa, in five sub-Saharan African countries. It analyses women's role as both consumers and entrepreneurs and identifies women-specific opportunities in the expanding market for modern off-grid lighting.