Hertfordshire invention 'transforms Nigerian lives'

A small solar-powered box developed in the East of England is providing power to people in Nigeria and "transforming how they live and work".

The Powerbox SE has been developed at Hertfordshire Business School, which is part of the University of Hertfordshire, and a Nigerian manufacturer.

The project is led by Prof Hafiz Alaka, who grew up in the African country with "unreliable or non-existent electricity".

He said the box offered "a sustainable, low-cost solution".

The box is being used in remote parts of Nigeria and can power everyday items such as lights, fans, laptops and washing machines. Each one absorbs about 1,200 watt-hours of solar energy a day.

In Kaduna State, 70 units are already in use.

"Many households and small businesses are too far from the national grid to access power, and this affects everything from trade to communication and education," said Alaka, associate dean in research and enterprise at the business school and director of the Big Data Technologies and Innovation laboratory.

"It runs entirely on clean solar energy, has no running costs and is made from components that can be sourced locally in Nigeria.

"It's built for Africa's environment and for Africa's people."

Amina Yusuf, who runs a grocery shop in Kaduna, said: "I can keep my shop open after sunset, my children can study at night, and I've reduced my fuel costs significantly.

"It has transformed how we live and work."

Bala Ibrahim, a teacher in a rural village, said it "allows my students to study after dark and keeps our community connected".

Alaka added: "This product is starting to bring people together in a way no other technology can – sustainably, affordably and through a locally made product.

"With investment, we can extend access to clean energy to millions who have never had reliable electricity before."

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