Developing sustainable business models to meet the needs of off-grid communities in Namibia and Southern Africa by providing access to appropriate sustainable energy technologies (ASETs)
CLICK HERE to download EE's 2010 Elephant Energy Shops Field Report
CLICK HERE to download EE's April 2011 Energy Product Catalog and CLICK HERE for an Order Form
_________________________________________________________________________________________
PROJECT OVERVIEW In 2010, EE piloted the Elephant Energy Shops Project, opening our first energy shop in Katima Mulilo to distribute appropriate sustainable energy technologies ("ASETs") to the 80,000 people living in the Caprivi Region. In the first two months of shop operation, our shop manager Annah Simbilu sold over 250 energy products, including solar-powered lights, solar-powered cell phone chargers, and crank radios. Our first Elephant Energy Shop will serve as a model for future energy shops established throughout Namibia.
Elephant Energy is expanding rapidly in 2011. We are now working with rural entrepreneurs to market and promote ASETs in nine villages in the Caprivi Region. Sales from the Elephant Energy Shop and our rural partner shops have increased steadily and now average 150 energy products per month, amounting to $3,500 in revenue. Bulk sales to local NGOs have also increased, including a recent sale of 240 solar-powered lights to World Wildlife Fund game rangers. Aside from sales in rural areas in the Caprivi Region, Elephant Energy is poised to expand throughout Namibia by providing energy products to a network of eight partner energy shops located in Namibia's Northern and Central Regions that have been established by the Namibian Government and the Polytechnic University of Namibia. ASET distribution to a network of 26 rural bike shops established by Bicycles for Humanity is also planned.
CLICK HERE to download a Google Earth map of EE's distribition network in Caprivi