The first global business conference and competition for off-grid lighting in Africa, Lighting Africa 2008 will take place in Accra, Ghana, from May 5 to 8, 2008.

Lighting Africa is a joint IFC and World Bank initiative that seeks to provide modern lighting by the year 2030 to the 250 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa who lack access to electricity.

More than 400 lighting industry companies and entrepreneurs from 52 countries worldwide have registered to attend. Speakers will include representatives from Osram, Philips, and Coca-Cola.

The Lighting Africa program was officially launched in September 2007. It aims to facilitate the development of a robust off-grid lighting market in Africa, supporting business development and increasing economic opportunities.

The Lighting Africa 2008 conference is designed to increase awareness of the significant market opportunities for improving lighting products and services and to link global investors with local suppliers and service providers. It will also promote entrepreneurial networking; share market intelligence, business, and financing model structures for lighting projects; showcase innovative products; and promote business development.


For more information, a program, and registration, visit www.lightingafrica.org.