03 Apr 2025

 Have you ever thought of an innovative solution to support students’ academic performance during severe power outages?

In Botswana and many other regions, frequent power cuts hinder learning progress, leading to poor performance. In an interview with BOPA today, Mr Kedumetse Liphi, CEO Ked-LiphiBw and Innovator of Chedza Solar Backpacks, acknowledged that power outages were not unique to Botswana but represented a global crisis where electricity demand consistently exceeded supply.

He pointed out the financial and operational challenges faced by Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) in generating sufficient power to meet national needs and potentially sell surplus to neighbouring countries within the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). Mr Liphi highlighted the profound impact of load management on students, disrupting learning, limiting study time, and reducing productivity, particularly at night.

To address these challenges, he said, his company had developed the Chedza Solar Backpack, designed to provide a reliable and affordable energy source for students and individuals especially in rural areas where there is no electrical connectivity. He said these solar backpacks had been developed with the aim of supporting learning during power outages, adding that he was committed to providing them at subsidized rates to enhance affordability.

Each backpack harnesses solar energy from a full day of sunlight and powers for up to seven hours, equipped with an LED bulb, a solar panel, a USB charging port, and a lightweight backup battery, he said.

“Our business model includes two revenue streams. Firstly, we collaborate with NGOs, corporations, foundations, and governments to manufacture and co-brand backpacks for donation to students in African communities. We also operate a retail store that sells backpacks to tourists, hikers, and campers, as well as offering repair services and component resale,” Mr Liphi explained.

With confirmed interest from potential customers, he said, the market for Chedza Solar Backpacks spans both local and export sectors, addressing the energy needs of over 60 per cent of Africans. On a global platform, Mr Liphi said, his design was recognised as the overall winner in a category for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Technology at the COP28 held in Dubai.

The international recognition of his product extends beyond borders, with many Africans purchasing these backpacks as interim solutions to ongoing load-shedding issues. He cited a recent partnership with NTT Data in South Africa, where the initiative had aided over 1 000 learners annually in a region where only 28 per cent had access to electricity, thus enhancing education and promoting the use of renewable energy.

Mr Liphi emphasised that this initiative not only champions quality education but also promotes economic growth and climate action, empowering the next generation to thrive sustainably. ENDS