Solar Backpacks Help Kids Read

In Tanzania, a burgeoning social enterprise is revolutionizing access to education through an ingenious solution: solar-powered backpacks. Soma Bags, founded by Innocent James in 2019, manufactures backpacks equipped with flexible solar panels that charge a reading light while children traverse to and from school.

This innovation addresses a critical issue in rural Tanzania, where less than half of households have access to electricity. Previously, families relied on kerosene lamps, which are not only expensive but also pose health and safety risks. The solar backpacks provide a cost-effective, sustainable alternative, enabling children to study after dark without financial burden or physical danger.

The company's ethos extends beyond just providing light. By repurposing discarded cement bags found on the streets of Mwanza, Soma Bags creates durable, zero-waste products. This approach not only solves an environmental problem but also keeps production costs low, making the backpacks affordable for their target market.

Soma Bags' impact has been substantial. The company now employs 65 people in their purpose-built factory and sold 36,000 backpacks last year alone. Their reach extends beyond Tanzania, with over 200 charities purchasing bags for distribution across Africa. This success has garnered recognition from international organizations, including the UN Development Programme, highlighting the potential for innovative, locally-driven solutions to address global challenges in education and sustainable development.