The solar panels are selling!

Hello SolarAiders!

SolarAid London office here. I thought I'd pass on information we've just received from Neema Crafts in Tanzania. Neema has just submitted its report for 2007, so following is a quick run-down of the progress:

Last year saw the birth of the Neema Craft Solar project from nothing and its growth into successful manufacturing business with five employees. Joely, Johaly, Khasimu and Steven were the original members who have now been joined by Mateso and Emmy in the workshop, while Steven now sells on commission from the market stall.

Since March 2007, Neema has sold 308 microsolar panels, hooray! That's 308 households who now have access to free (after initial costs) and clean energy; 308 households who are now lowering their carbon emissions.

In order to break even Neema need to sell a further 310 panels and Neema are now working on a three tiered strategy to boost their sales:

1) Improving visibility: Neema have put a sales table outside their shop, manned by Joely, Mateso, and Khsimu who assemble products and answer any questions from passers by. This seems to be working as Neema have already seen a rise in sales since they started this : awesome!
2) Identifying retailers: Neema hope to identify experienced sales people in other villages who will sell solar products in their shops. Neema will train them fully in solar benefits and know how. This would put Neema Solar products within short minibus ride of anywhere in all of Iringa.
3) Commissioning Sales: Neema plan to hire and train travelling sales people who could carry products further afield.

Neema Craft Solar has introduced low cost small scale solar to hundreds of households in southern Tanzania. At the same time our six disabled workers have been able to show their community that physical disability is not a barrier to a productive life.

Please donate to our work here in Tanzania so that we can expand it to other areas.

John Keane
Programmes Manager