Access to electricity remains a critical challenge for students in many rural areas worldwide, hindering their ability to study after dark. In Tanzania, an innovative solution—solar-powered backpacks made from recycled cement bags—has emerged as a game-changer for education.

This initiative, led by Somabags, provides students with a portable solar charging system that powers lights for up to eight hours at night. Given that millions of Indian students still face similar electricity shortages, introducing such a solution in India could significantly improve education accessibility and learning outcomes.

The Case of Solar-Powered Backpacks: A Model for India

Somabags, founded by Innocent Joseph in Tanzania, was born out of the realization that students lacked proper lighting to read at night. The startup, supported by the UNDP’s Funguo Innovation Programme, has created solar-powered backpacks that enable children to charge the solar panel during the day and use the stored energy for light at night. These bags also come with USB charging ports, allowing students to charge small devices.

India, with its vast rural population, faces similar challenges. According to the 2021 census, nearly 40 million households in India either lack electricity or suffer from erratic supply. This directly impacts students’ education, particularly in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, where power cuts are frequent. By adapting the solar backpack model to Indian conditions, students in remote villages could benefit immensely from a sustainable and affordable lighting solution.