How is your business helping to solve the health, social, or economic challenges created by COVID19?
In response to COVID-19, ES is repurposing its work and operational plans for the remainder of 2020 to support the urgent electrification and preparedness of rural off-grid health clinics. Through its rural women entrepreneur network, ES will electrify health & maternity clinics via the rapid deployment and installation of World Bank certified distributed (off-grid) solar systems. These systems will provide lighting, ventilation, radio communications and charging which are critically needed now more than ever in anticipation of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Does your business contribute most to recovery, response, or resilience?
Response - we're responding directly to issues caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 outbreak.
What is the stage of your product development?
I have a market ready product/service. I have sold to customers.
What strengths does your team bring? Include skills and personal experience with the problem.
Kelly Nwachuku-Lavelle, the founder and executive director of ElleSolaire, had a successful career in investment banking and international business before turning her focus to finding innovative solutions to the problem of energy poverty. In addition to Kelly, ElleSolaire's executive team includes Micha Sprinz, Christine Chamoun and Lorentz Chidue Nwachuku. Micha, ElleSolaire's director of Communications, is a seasoned communications professional with over 15 years of experience in marketing, communications and events with leading international companies. Christine, ElleSolaire's Funding and partnership Manager, has 15 years of work experience from the humanitarian and development field, with the past five years focusing on grant-making and partnership development. Lastly, Lorentz Chidue Nwachuku is a co-founder and chief financial officer of ElleSolaire who brings over twenty years experience in the international finance sector, with the past ten years spent specialising in energy-related infrastructure finance, including Islamic Project Finance. During his current role at the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group) based in Dakar, Senegal, Lorentz has led a wide range of international energy and infrastructure projects and has also developed a deep interest in matters affecting gender equality, especially issues related to women’s energy poverty, and has been appointed to the IFC Gender Secretariat.
What countries do you operate in?
Senegal
Is your company headquartered in a US "Opportunity Zone"?
No
