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Last update

28 May 2021

Jiro-Ve – Solar lamps accessible everywhere

E-commerce & Retail | Education, vocational training & employment | Solar power

In Madagascar, the company Jiro-Ve rents out solar-powered rechargeable lamps in an economic model that provides clean energy at lower cost and also creates jobs.

The issue

Providing access to energy at lower cost

Though dangerous, unhealthy and polluting, kerosene lamps are still the only means of lighting many African households. Solar energy offers an alternative but the equipment is either relatively expensive or of poor quality.

The solution

Jiro-Ve and its solar-powered rechargeable lamps

Jiro-ve, which means “You want light? we got light!“, is a company founded in 2014 in Madagascar, that rents out solar-powered rechargeable lamps. “In Madagascar, many people use kerosene lamps,” laments Rik STAMHUIS, Managing Director of Jiro-Ve. We started with one objective: to find the best solution to reduce this use.”

Through a network of franchisees, Jiro-Ve provides LED light at a rate of 0.05€ per day with an integrated battery that can light for 4 to 6 hours depending on the desired intensity. The light is supplied with a kit including a battery that can be recharged by the franchisees, a bulb and even a cable to charge a cell phone.

The stakeholders

A serial entrepreneur

Rik STAMHUIS, co-founder and General Manager of Jiro-Ve is Dutch. After many years of international experience, he worked several years in Kenya before joining the Jiro-Ve adventure in Madagascar. He is a “serial entrepreneur” with over a dozen experiences in creating impact businesses.

The impact

A response to a socio-economic and ecological challenge while creating jobs

With more than 60 franchises in 8 regions of Madagascar, Jiro-Ve rents out nearly 12,000 lamps per day – Photo courtesy of Jiro-Ve – RR

With more than 60 franchises in 8 regions of Madagascar, Jiro-Ve rents out nearly 12,000 lamps per day and has helped create 130 jobs. It also provides local grocers with an additional source of income. Thanks to a financing granted by I&P Accélération Technologies, Jiro-Ve plans to expand and diversify its activity, notably through the development of digital solutions.

Find out more:

I&P accélération Technologies Program
« Il faut en finir avec la lampe à pétrole », Le Point Afrique
Solar power: cheap energy source for Africa, UN.org

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Jiro-Ve – Solar lamps accessible everywhere

The issue

The solution

The stakeholders

The impact

Find out more:

Similars items

Brimore – When e-commerce plays in empowering women

Priyo Tech – When the digital reaches kids

Jangolo – The e-commerce to answer agricultural challenges in Africa

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