Singer Akon expected in Rwanda

Renowned Senegalese-American singer Akon is expected in the country on Tuesday to promote his Akon Lighting Africa Solar Power Initiative.

Monday, July 27, 2015
Akon. (Internet photo)

Renowned Senegalese-American singer Akon is expected in the country on Tuesday to promote his Akon Lighting Africa Solar Power Initiative.

The singer-cum-businessman is travelling with his business partners across 10 African states to see what progress has been made on projects and to identify new areas for electrification.

In under one year of operation, the Akon Lighting Africa project has already launched initiatives in 14 African countries and aims to launch more in a further 11 countries by the end of 2016.

On his one-day visit, Akon will be in the country with the project’s other two co-founders, Malian entrepreneur Samba Bathily, and Senegalese Thione Niang.

According to a statement from the organizers, Akon’s team will be meeting with several government officials, including those from the ministries of Infrastructure and Agriculture, and Rwanda Development Board.

He will also visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and will meet with business leaders from Rwanda, including Hatari Sekoko of Doyelcy Capital Partners.

Akon and his team will be hosted by David John Frenkil, Managing Director of Centennial Generating Co, a solar company for commercial businesses in Rwanda."

The Akon Lighting Africa project seeks to provide a concrete response at grass roots level to Africa’s energy crisis and lay the foundations for future development.

Launched in February 2014, the initiative aims to develop an innovative solar-powered solution that will provide African villages with access to a clean and affordable source of electricity.