Yellow Malawi

The Challenge

More than half a billion people in Africa live without access to electricity, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa. In Malawi, one of the most energy-poor countries in the world, about 80% of the population depends on candles, kerosene lamps, or battery-powered torches once the sun goes down. Lack of electricity limits economic growth, complicates household activities like cooking and studying for school, and makes it harder for women and children to stay safe.

The Innovation

Yellow sells solar panels to off-grid Malawians and allows them to pay in small monthly installments that match what candles or kerosene lamps would cost. Yellow also supplies financed smartphones so that customers can better connect with each other and the Internet and tap into the opportunity that comes with it. To maximize its impact and reach the most remote customers, Yellow has built an end-to-end technology platform called Ofeefee that enables a nationwide network of last-mile sales agents.