A recent report shows that 597 million people did not have electricity in sub-Saharan Africa as of 2021, while in 2020, electrical energy was inaccessible to 581 million Africans. This indicates that five out of every ten individuals in the Sahara lived in the dark. This is even worse for rural communities because nightfall often means darkness for families in rural villages, with children huddled around flickering candles to study. Nthabiseng Mosia, a South African-Ghanaian entrepreneur and co-founder of Easy Solar, saw this plight and desired to bridge this energy gap in her region using solar energy.
Born in Ghana and raised in South Africa, Mosia was no stranger to her country’s economic disparities. She saw how her community experienced frequent blackouts due to an unreliable electricity supply, which made her determined to tackle Africa’s energy crisis head-on.
Mosia graduated with first-class honours and distinction from the University of Cape Town, earning a Bachelor of Business Science in Finance. While studying for a Master’s in Clean Energy Finance and Policy at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, Mosia became friends with Eric Silverman and Alexandre Tourre, who later became her co-founders of Easy Solar.
During their graduate studies, these three saw how solar power could provide reliable and affordable electricity to households in underserved West African communities. With joint effort, they raised funding for their business from competitions and hackathons in the United States.
In 2016, Mosia, Silverman, and Tourre founded one of the fastest-growing off-grid solar companies in West Africa. Their vision has since been to make energy affordable and accessible for families and communities across West Africa. Easy Solar produces solar lanterns, home lighting systems, appliances, and cookstoves, which they sell on affordable financing plans.
Since its founding in 2016, Mosia’s off-grid solar company has expanded across multiple African countries. Today, the company operates in seven African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique. It has established a strong presence in remote, off-grid areas, delivering clean energy solutions to over 1 million beneficiaries in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Within six years, they have installed 1.3MWp solar capacity, saving $27 million on energy. The company also has over 400 sales outlets across Sierra Leone & Liberia and has created over 800 clean energy jobs employing 471 under 30 youths, with 60% of its senior managers being females.
Apart from creating jobs, people now live more comfortably. According to Captain Francis Dwaii, a satisfied Sierra Leone user, students can study after dark using clean, safe light sources.
“My children found it hard to study. Even as a military personnel, I had to use Chinese lights when I had assignments to do and they were difficult to use. The first day I installed my Easy Solar, I felt like I was in heaven. That year, my child even came 3rd in his class. Now I enjoy light 24/7.” – Captain Francis Dwaii, an Easy Solar user.
Moreso, small businesses like barbershops, provision stores, restaurants and refreshment joints can now extend their working hours, grow their businesses and support their communities in ways that were previously impossible.
“When I opened my shop, I used to pay for the local electricity but I realised I was spending more on electricity than I was earning. Since I started using Easy Solar, it has helped my business improve. The light can stay up to 5am and I can even sell my products at night without worrying about the light.” Sianeh G. Kolleh, a Liberian store owner shared.
Apart from improving the lives of different communities, Easy Solar has also contributed to global efforts to combat climate change. They have provided alternatives to diesel generators and kerosene lamps, which have reduced carbon emissions and prevented the release of over 100,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Nthabiseng Mosia, being a sought-after global speaker and thought leader, has a couple of notable awards under her belt. Some of them include:
- 2023 Africa’s Business Heroes – Top 10 Award.
- 2023 Top 10 Fastest Growing African Companies – FT
- 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year – Columbia University
- 2021 New Economy Catalyst – Bloomberg
- 2020 GenY Entrepreneur – Forbes Africa Women
- 2019 Social Entrepreneur of the Year – WEF / Schwab
- 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa
- 2018 Quartz Africa Innovators
Indeed, the future of solar-powered energy is bright for Africans, and leaders like Nthabiseng Mosia are lighting the way for others to follow.
