Solar Giraffe

Girafa Solar is a structure to create a community space to charge cell phones and listen to the radio in rural areas.

Project Inspiration
Mozambique has made great strides in reducing poverty. But with nearly 50% of the population still living in poverty, progress has not been fast enough. Furthermore, poverty is concentrated in rural areas, and the regions of Zambézia, Sofala, Manica and Gaza even saw an increase in poverty in the 2000s. Local solutions that focus on mitigating challenges and empowering Mozambicans to rise above are in dire need. The Solar Giraffe is a tool that can help and support this elevation.

Project description
Girafa Solar is a structure to create a community space to charge cell phones and listen to the radio in rural areas. It uses photovoltaic solar energy that powers a technical cabinet, under the cover of the structure that offers 10 cell phone charging sockets and a radio. All other systems are installed to support and protect the electrical system and its users. In the future, more plug-in-play solutions can be added, for example, internet hotspot, television, computer and others.

Main objectives
1. Mobile phone charging
2. Improve access to mobile coverage
3. Social and economic interactions in communities

Expected results
> Increased cell phone usage
> Development of social engagement space
> Greater safety in communities
> Access to new information technologies

Financier and Partners
Designer - Ruben Morgado
Promoter and Coordinator – Carlos Morgado Foundation
Local Promoter – Nyikani Mavoko Association
Financier – Irish Embassy in Mozambique
Community Engagement – Mozambique Women of Energy (MWE)