Off Grid Electric announced the launch of Kazi na Zola, a full suite of solar appliances designed to help rural entrepreneurs create successful businesses and generate income.
Kazi na Zola, which translates into “Work with Zola” in Swahili was unveiled at President Obama’s 7th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Palo Alto, California.
Kazi na Zola is a “business in a box” designed to give local self-starters the tools they need to run their businesses – whether a barbershop, charging shop, bar, or restaurant – completely on solar.
The tailored offerings include tools such as phone charging strips, entertainment systems and hair clippers. The product is financed over time via small micro-payments collected through mobile money allowing first-time entrepreneurs to generate income right away.
“Africa is a continent of entrepreneurs. From the farmer selling her harvest, to the salon owner serving his neighborhood, to the shopkeeper charging mobile phones, these are the businesses that are the lifeblood of local communities,” said Xavier Helgesen, CEO and co-founder, Off Grid Electric.
“We built this offering as a tool to enable entrepreneurs to start and grow the businesses they’ve always wanted to, but haven’t had the power to be able to,” Helgesen added.
Off Grid Electric has successfully piloted the Kazi na Zola product line in Tanzania. The full Kazi na Zola product line will be available nationwide by the end of the year.