November 29, 2022
State Secretary for International Development, Bjørg Sandkjær, visited Senegal on the occasion of the Global Nansen Forum late October. The Norwegian Embassy in Ghana, which also covers Senegal, planned a bilateral program for the state secretary in order for her to see successful initiatives and projects in the country. On the program was Baobab Plus, a Norfund investment that offers solar energy-based solutions for households that are not connected to the grid, so-called “off-grid” solar energy for households.
The team from Norway met with Baobab Plus’ management in Senegal, Magloire Ahouanmenou, Chief Commercial Officer and Saër Dial, Chief Customer Officer. After a comprehensive presentation about the developments for the company the past year, their SHSs as well as their innovative business model, the visitors spoke about the impact of the SHS with a Baobab Plus client.
Pastor Francois, who lived in the region Fatick in Senegal, showed his solar energy system that enabled him to have lighting in his house. The pastor spoke proudly of a strengthened marriage after he and his wife gained access to energy and lighting. The system has also made it possible for the couple to install a TV, which several people in the village are very happy with, as people come to watch football at the pastor’s house.