In 2014, Akon launched a solar initiative to bring electricity to rural Africa

Akon Lighting Africa, established in February 2014, is dedicated to delivering solar power to communities across the African continent. Within its inaugural year, the initiative broadened its reach to 14 nations. Founded by Akon, Thione Niang, and Samba Bathily, the focus is on off-grid solar technologies. By leveraging public-private partnerships, the project seeks sustainable solutions for electricity access, with ambitions to expand even further throughout Africa.