Engineering / Technical
"Affordable, quality solar power for everyone."
DAKOTA is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable energy solutions to underserved communities. Since its inception, DAKOTA has successfully connected over 400,000 homes across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to solar power, with an average of 550 new households gaining access daily. Each solar home system includes an 8W battery-powered unit equipped with three lights, mobile phone charging capabilities, and a solar-powered radio. Customers also have the option to upgrade to a 20W system, which supports digital television.
As of July 2016, DAKOTA’s efforts have enabled more than 400,000 households to transition to affordable solar energy. Current customers are projected to save over US$300 million in energy expenses over the next four years, while collectively benefiting from 50 million hours of kerosene-free lighting each month. The company’s operations have generated 2,500 jobs across East Africa.
DAKOTA has earned numerous accolades for its innovative approach, including recognition as the boldest company in the Financial Times Marcelo Mitral Boldness in Business Awards (Developing Markets category) in March 2016. In February 2016, it received the Best Mobile Innovation for Emerging Markets award at the Global Mobile Awards. Prior honors include being named one of *Fortune*’s Top 50 Companies Changing the World (2015), winning the Rayed Energy Future Prize, receiving the 2014 Bloomberg Pioneer Award, and earning the FT/IFC Excellence in Sustainable Finance Award in 2013.
