The workshop in Arusha explored the East African/Tanzanian environment for village energy, local case studies, challenges and opportunities, with a view to formulating policy recommendations for policymakers, funders, NGOs and other stakeholders the region. An important part of the workshop, and indeed the whole Smart Villages initiative work programme, was to gather evidence from existing projects that have provided or facilitated sustainable off-grid energy solutions in the developing world.The workshop gathered more than 50 experts, including policymakers, NGOs, off-grid energy entrepreneurs and others to look for solutions to providing energy to villages off the grid.

1. GLOBAL CYCLE SOLUTIONS
Jodie Wu, CEO
www.gcstz.com

2. GCS increases access to quality
technology for rural Tanzanian
villagers through local
microentrepreneurs.
What We Do

3. Our microentrepreneurs (our Rafiki, “friend” in Swahili, led by our
field officers) are central to our success.
How We Do It
GCS recruits, trains, and supports
rural microentrepreneurs…
Who provide their communities information
on & access to quality technology…
As well as local after-sales service
for their purchases…
And give GCS ongoing reports on
customer demand & satisfaction.
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4. Geographic Isolation
& Poor Infrastructure
Technology is delivered through local, hand-
selected Rafiki in rural villages.
Illiteracy & Risk
Aversion
Rafiki, trusted community members, give
face-to-face demonstrations, and products
are carefully chosen for quality.
Maintenance of
Products
Trained Rafiki and field officers offer
technical support and immediate full
product replacement within warranty.
Product Demand
GCS checks-in with Rafiki and field officers
to hear customer feedback and demand for
existing and new products.
Meeting the Challenges
GCS
Solutions
Current Challenges in
Rural Distribution

5. A tremendous number of people would benefit from rural access
to quality technology.
35M
Tanzanians
live in rural
villages.
97.0% of these
Tanzanians do not have
access to electricity.
99.6% cook with
dangerous solid fuels
(wood, charcoal,
straw/shrubs/grass).
54.0% primarily drink
from an unsafe source
of water.
Data taken from the 2010 Tanzanian Demographic & Health Survey
The Opportunity

6. Our Progress
In just one year, we have given light to over 30,000 people.
84 active Rafiki
20 active field officers
12 Rafiki have sold 100+ lights each
34+ average lights sold/Rafiki
6,000+ total lights sold
As of April 2014

7. MalakiZakayo, Field Officer
1,619Lights sold under him
$1,280+ Income earned
ElinipaLession, Rafiki
211Lights sold
$1,100+ Income earned
We are finding ways to replicate their success across the country.
Our top performing field officer and Rafiki have made significant
impact on their lives and the lives of the communities they serve.
Our Microentrepreneurs

8. Our Rafiki Training
Each Rafiki attends GCS training programs twice a year.
We train to:
Teach the fundamentals of operating a business
Drive the importance of customer-centricity
Ensure product & service knowledge
Reinforce a sense of community
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9. Field officers receive a monthly stipend and attend training at least
once every 2 months to support their 15 Rafiki.
Our Field Officer Support

10. As Our Rafiki Say,
My name is
HappinessLucyJacklineRashidEmmanuelSaidLoyPeter
RahemaLovnessSilvinChristopherHalimaMaryOliverHal
imaGiloyaPaulinaLinusEmmanuelJuliusJohnParimeloJ
osephBabuRaphaelConstantinoDaudYohanaElizabethL
eluMagrethMiryamAnnaEvalineEsterMaryHellenNoela
MagrethJohnTegemeaEdnaFloraNatangawmakiHellen
ZephaniaElizabethAsnathYahanaMossesYudaSimonE
mmanuelLomayanPeterJustinYustoAbakukiMustapher
MbayaniBoniphanceJustineJudithUpendoElinipaTiophi
lFaustineSamwelPaulinaCharlesGodfreyDavisLekeni
I am here to improve life
through affordable technology.

11. We choose our field officers and Rafiki based on community
involvement and recommendations.
Our Selection Process
NGO