PPIAF

First Global Business Conference & Competition Kick Off in Accra, Ghana, May 6-8

Fifty finalists from 54 countries are showcasing their proposals to try and win up to $200,000 in seed funding to develop and implement their ideas this week in Accra, Ghana.  The Lighting Africa Development Marketplace is part of a joint World Bank/IFC initiative called Lighting Africa which seeks to reach 250 million customers with modern, affordable, lighting by 2030.

Lighting Africa 2008 is the first global conference and development marketplace for off-grid lighting in Africa.  The conference is designed for investors, financiers, private firms, end users, and development agencies to showcase and expand business opportunities targeting low income populations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

With $38 billion spent on lighting worldwide every year, Africa represents a potential $10 billion market opportunity. The off-grid lighting market offers a promising opportunity to invest in a new high-growth market with a proven willingness to pay. The conference seeks to increase investor awareness of the significant market opportunities for improved off-grid lighting products and services in Sub-Saharan Africa; link global investors with local suppliers and service providers; share business and financing model structure for off-grid lighting projects; and showcase project opportunities.

PPIAF, along with the Global Environment Facility is a sponsor of the event.  To see a video clip on Lighting Africa click here.  

For more information about Lighting Africa, visit: www.lightingafrica.com