Akon Interview: Why The Humanitarian Solar Academy In Africa?

Akon interviewed at Mawazine 2015 and talked about his humanitarian efforts in Africa. Likewise, Aliaune explains why he started the Solar Academy project.

What is Akon’s solar academy? Of what does it consist? What’s the end goal? These are questions many have asked across the internet. It’s been well-known that Akon has been an entrepreneur and philanthropist. However, providing 600 million homes with electricity?

For the most part, Akon is assuredly a businessman. However, his investments are rooted in initiatives that can help people advance or progress. Likewise, Aliaune’s solar academy does this in a big way.

During Akon’s interview at Mawazine 2015, he states that responsibility shouldn’t be forgotten, but further acknowledged — if you have means to help people.

“Well, when it comes to ‘humanitarian’, I think — even outside of being an artist — anyone with success should always put themselves in a position to help others. You know? Ultimately, only a few are chosen to be in a certain status or to be famous, or to even be influential in life.

So, you’ve got to understand that those few people that are that position are touched by God. You’re chosen to be in that position. You should always honor that responsibility. You know, most people don’t choose to not do anything. You always have a choice.”

Continuing Akon’s interview, he goes on to elaborate on his business methods and mindset.

“Me, personally, the things that I’m doing may be considered to be ‘humanitarian’, but they’re actually for-profit. A lot of my businesses are for-profit. I just choose to get into businesses that are going to help people. So, naturally, it’s a position where — if I’m going to make money — I’m going to make money helping people.

That’s just my personal view of how I like to get into business. If I’m always offering opportunity, or someone comes to me with a proposal, the first thing I ask is, ‘Okay, how does it help the community?’ Or ‘where does it benefit in a position where others will be touched by it?’ If they can’t answer that question, then I’m not interested.

That’s why I like to get into businesses that will allow opportunities for others to grow.”

As the topic was also covered by Inquisitr, Aliaune’s solar initiative seeks to train qualified individuals to develop, use, and maintain solar energy technologies in and throughout Africa.

“Located in Bamako, Mali, the solar academy will train African engineers and entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to produce and maintain solar-powered electricity systems and micro grids. Here, experts will be available to provide assistance with training – and equipment and programs will be supplied by angel investors.”

Contrary to belief, Akon’s investment isn’t solely his alone. He has co-founders, like many other successful entrepreneurs. As the Root reports, according to one of the co-founders of Akon Lighting Africa (the organization overseeing the solar academy), Samba Baithily states that Africa definitely has the sun and the technologies necessary to make this project a success.

All that’s needed is manpower and a skill set. Akon’s solar academy aims to help provide that necessity.

Feel free to share your thoughts about Akon’s humanitarian solar academy effort in the comments below.

[Photo Credits: Leonard Adam / Getty Images Entertainment]