Abstract
Despite its abundant solar radiation, Africa suffers from energy scarcity. In the south of the Sahara, only 23% of the population (one out of four) has access to electricity. The situation is even more critical in rural areas where electrification involves only ten inhabitants. But, with a daily sunshine approximately 5-7 kWh per m2, the solar resource in Africa is really important and "free." (Sources: OCDE 2007).
For example, in 2007 less than 10% of the population had access to African electricity. (Sources: International Renewable Energy Agency). The energy situation in Africa, with the increase of kerosene prices, is likely to worsen a little more and requires rethinking the ways to change this trend.
In this context, solar energy seems to be a track even more interesting to study because Africa has big solar resources throughout its territory. In addition, solar panels have recorded a recent reduction of production costs. Africa has more strengths than all other regions in the world to win the war of solar energy. From this perspective, we have chosen to focus our business plan on the energy market in Africa, and especially in East Africa.
