Mission for Yele: "Creating sustainable economic perspectives
for people in Yele, Sierra Leone"

Project Yele aims to construct the eLuma Business Center after their assistence in building the Hydro Electric Power Plant in Yele, Sierra Leone. The energy provided by the Hydro Electric Power Plant will be distributed according to the most important local needs with help of the eLuma. The Hydro Electric Power Plant will sell electricity at a low price, while ensuring funds for maintenance.

Goals of Project Yele

  1. Increase the success of rural electrification project across Africa by providing a blue print like eLuma to address to productive sector in rural electrification projects.
  2. Enhance business opportunities for small industry and stimulate the economy in Yele.
  3. Co-design the hydro electric power plant in Yele, Sierra Leone. (Achieved)

eLuma - QUICK FACTS

First location:
Yele (Sierra Leone)
Duration:
24 months
Direct Impact:
600 local households
Indirect Impact:
2500 households in Yele area
Total Local Outreach:
31.000 people

Project Yele contributes to:

Economic growth:
10,0002 commercial area including 44 new shops Electrification:
250 kW hydro-powered electricity
Food education and conservation:
100 m3 cooling space Business Education:
4 year program of coaching local businesses
Financial services:
Access to banking

"Electrification of Yele to create economic development, clean drinking water,
health care and employment opportunities."

eLuma

In order to break the vicious circle of economic stagnation in Sierra Leone, new business opportunities need to be developed. The eLuma is a business concept based on local needs and entrepreneurs. In a central market hub local business owners can hire a shop with strategic electricity, financial and coaching facilities. These facilities enable growth and value creation and thereby kick-starting the local economy by selling new products, previously unavailable in the local economy.

The goal of Project Yele is that the eLuma will be maintained and managed by the local community after five years. Project Yele will initiate the building and organize the human support of the eLuma.



Products of eLuma

Examples of new products include ice cubes, cold drinks, vaccines, perishable goods, rechargeable LED lamps, mobile phone hub, welded products, banking solutions and machined wood products. The eLuma is designed to adapt to the economic needs of the village and local entrepreneurs determine the exact business.

Entrepreneurial Coach

Key to success is the development of healthy business practices. For this purpose the entrepreneurs in the market will receive dedicated coaching from an Entrepreneurial Coach. The coach will assist with starting the business and teach the skills needed to run the shop as well as how to maintain a business.

"A business concept based on local needs and entrepreneurs."

Economic Impact

The eLuma with small businesses will kickstart the local economy of Yele. With facilities like electricity, cooling and clean drinking water, the business center allows for numerous new products, thereby not only reaching the population of Yele, but also surrounding villages.

Social Impact

At the eLuma clean drinking water, free of charge, is available to all. A shop with rechargeable lights will increase safety and allow for activity after sunset.

All entrepreneurs will also have to address at least 1 Millennium Development Goal with their business concept.

Environmental Impact

The electricity is provided by the Hydro Electric Power Plant. This is a clean and sustainable method of generating electricity for businesses and the local population.

Environmental aspects are also kept in mind upon business selection for entrepreneurs in the eLuma.