Source: Africa News

 

11% Have Access to Electricity But Now That's Changed

In my last blog, you learned about Tim's incredible paint that removes carbon from the air. This week we're going to journey across an ocean & look at an entrepreneur who is doing amazing things for his community. 

Whether you're living in Europe or America, often it's easy to forget the niceties we can take for granted. Things like clean drinking water, housing and electricity are a luxury for some who live in less developed areas such as Malawi, Africa. 

Malawi is a landlocked country in Southeastern Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the west, Tanzania to the north and northeast, and Mozambique to the east.

In Malawi, only 11% of the population has access to electricity - dropping to only 4% in rural areas. 
Enter Colrerd Nkosi:

 


Using a repurposed corn-shelling machine motor and a fast-moving river, Nkosi created an electric turbine that’s now lighting up homes for him and his neighbors for free in the town of Mzimba.

Just like Thomas Edison who invented the lightbulb, he did a lot of experimenting. As many entrepreneurs can attest to, it often isn't the first or second business that launches successfully, sometimes it's the 3rd or 4th. But once you fail, you learn from your efforts and try, try again.

Nkosi innovated in this spirit as well.

In the beginning, he put a bicycle in the river and brainstormed about how the current moved the pedals, and how it might be turned into power.

Then, he used an old refrigerator compressor that converted power for 6 homes. His neighbors were calling for more electricity, so he continued to upgrade.
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According to the self-taught inventor, Nkosi's latest turbine has the potential to produce enough power to provide electricity to 1,000 homes. He says another turbine can be installed downstream to expand the grid.

There's always a trickle-down effect when it comes to precious resources due to the interconnectedness of the environment. In this instance, there's an upside to this network in the ecotone.

The hydro power has the added benefit of decreasing deforestation by getting rid of the need for locals to cut down trees to obtain charcoal for fuel sources.

In a country where only 11% of the population has access to electricity, having a reliable and renewable source of energy has been a game-changer—especially in the schools.

In an interview with the French news outlet, Agence France-Presse, kids spoke up of how this new electricity will change their lives:

 “In the past, we had to study by candlelight and whenever there was no money to buy candles, we could not study,” said student Gift Mfune. “Now that we have access to electricity, many more of us will pass our exams.”

Pretty neat right? One person can affect positive change for the larger populace. Colrerd Nkosi is an entrepreneur who is making a difference and a great example of purpose over profit.

I hope you've enjoyed this week's blog and are on track to achieving your personal & professional goals

PS. Know an entrepreneur making a difference? Invite them to join the Entrepreneurs That Make A Difference tribe:

https://trevorwgoodchild.com/entrepreneurtalk

Know an amazing story of an entrepreneur putting purpose first over profit? Comment below!

Check out my hip hop podcast From Da Jump recently featuring Myka 9 of Freestyle Fellowship

Every other Tuesday on Clubhouse 10am-11am CST I host a Startup Club Room called Entrepreneurs That Make A Difference - follow me @fbpolicypro to get find out more.



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