LINDT & SPRÜNGLI SOLAR INVESTMENT IN GHANA

Swiss company Lindt & Sprüngli has invested in solar lighting for 69,000 cocoa farmers’ in Ghana.

The chocolate company made the decision to support cocoa farmers across 50 states in the country with the lighting which has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the farmers and the families.

I particularly like that this initiative helps farmers and their families beyond farming. The applications are many, including allowing children to read at night. 

Light is something we often take for granted. The term “dark ages” was a literal description at one time. Lighting was either too expensive or unavailable and after the sunset, there wasn’t much to do but go to bed. 

In Ghana, even if you have access to electricity in a rural area, it’s notoriously unreliable. Of course, solar is the ideal solution as it relies on an energy source that the country has a plentiful supply of.

Lindt & Sprüngli AG, the manufacturer of the famous Lindt chocolate brand, is involved in rural development in Ghana. As part of its agricultural programme, which has been running in this West African country since 2008, the group is starting to distribute 69,000 solar kits. This work is being carried out on the ground by Namene Solar, a London-based company operating in several African countries, including Ghana.

It is not surprising that a company with an annual turnover in the region of $5 billion would be interested in the welfare of Ghanaians since a large portion of its cocoa production originates in Ghana. 

Solar energy represents an incredible opportunity. Solar can light up inaccessible, off-grid areas. And the sun is something Ghana has in abundance. Solar light is a powerful tool for cocoa farmers and can be used for all kinds of tasks and activities,” says Lindt & Sprüngli.

SM100 solar lamps are distributed by Namene as part of its contract. Unlike traditional paraffin lamps, this lamp contains a solar panel built into it. 

Despite 84% of the population having access to electricity, the Agricultural Program of Lindt & Sprüngli works in rural areas where 1.5 million people do not have access to electricity. Cocoa is a major source of income for over one million Ghanaians.