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Akon plans to light up Africa by investing in solar academy

African born rapper Akon has invested in a solar academy.

Akon made the announcement, at the United Nations Sustainable Energy for all Forum, that his company would be creating a solar academy for developing skills and training in Bamako, Mali.

The company, Lighting Africa was founded by Thione Niang, Samba Bathily and Akon, will be partnering with Solektra, an African energy company. Lighting Africa has already installed street lights and household solar systems in 14 countries.

The academy aims to teach African engineers and entrepreneurs how to develop solar power for the continent.

“We have the sun and innovative technologies to bring electricity to homes and communities. We now need to consolidate African expertise,” Samba Baithily was quoted as saying.

Akon hopes to provide electricity to approximately 600 million Africans.

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