WakaWaka

WakaWaka is a global social enterprise that developed and sold portable solar products for people without access to electricity.

In July 2018 TSM Business School took over the brand name and the remaining stocks of WakaWaka, after the enterprise went bankrupt after failing to raise EUR 2.5 million in growth capital.

The inspiration for WakaWaka was first sparked in 2010, as Maurits and Camille traveled through South Africa, working to offset carbon emissions from that year’s World Cup championship.

WakaWaka opened an office in Kigali, Rwanda in 2014 and launched the Virtual Grid, the world’s first telecom-based pico solar pay-as-you-go system.

Through the company's Share the Sun model, when customers buy a WakaWaka they also give a solar light to a family living without access to electricity.

The jury stated "start-up WakaWaka deserved this first prize, WakaWaka is a passionate social enterprise dedicated to fight energy poverty They have the poorest people as a target group and create real impact with their high-tech, low-cost solar lamps.

By utilizing the latest technology in the field of solar energy, WakaWakas are a real lifesaver for people without access to electricity.