The latest initiative is being supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its Climate Promise initiative and launched recently during the 2025 UNDP cultural night held at a local hotel in Bijilo.
The new initiative aims to provide more efficient and affordable clean energy services for Gambians. With the introduction of this novel solar power utility model, households can now tap from the limitless potential of solar energy, reducing their carbon footprint and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
The model boasts a flexible pay-as-you-go system, quelling the financial barriers that often hinder access to renewable energy.
The project, at the moment has three tailored options: small utility (1.2 kWp that is ideal for small homes, reducing energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels); medium utility (2.4 kWp that is perfect for medium-sized homes, providing a reliable and efficient energy supply) and large utility (5 kWp that is suitable for larger homes and businesses, maximising energy savings and minimising carbon emissions).
Malang Sambou, executive director of Mbolo Association, who is also the man behind the initiative, explained that the solar energy project aims to provide accessible and affordable clean energy to Gambians, saying - 'pay as you go' solar energy was invented through rigorous research on clean energy.
He stated that with the initiative, people can subscribe to the energy services to get stable and sustainable energy.
The project, he added, is currently supplying people with energy and is poised to provide more with affordable clean energy.
"Our sponsors commitment in providing resources to support Mbolo Association is linked to improving livelihoods and increase wellbeing to our community-driven innovative solutions. Together we can maintain 1.5 degrees alive of the Paris Agreement," he said.
Mr Sambou thus appealed to government to work closely with the private sector and civil society, to ensure sustainable development in the country.
"Together we can easily attain our goals in the energy sector and all other areas," he emphatically averred.
Jankey Jassey, trainer at Mbolo Association, highlighted the country’s energy demand, which she said, is more than the supply, pointing out that people have to work harder to clear the challenges with regards to energy.
David Jeng, a consultant for project at Mbolo Association, said he has worked with the association since 2024 on the new invention.
"As a consultant, I have worked closely with Mbolo Association to make sure we have the right invention that meets all IP requirements and to be protected as a utility model. And when the invention and the prototype was ready, we were able to do all the necessary assessments and get all the necessary feedback that were needed to ensure we get protection for it."
He, thus extended gratitude to the association for the trust reposed in him, acknowledging that the innovation will not only provide energy solutions, but also create jobs for the young people.
