Mbolo Association invents Pay As You Go Solar Energy in Gambia

Mbolo Association, a local Solar Installation training institute recently invented Pay As You Go Solar Energy services in The Gambia.

The project was launched during the 2025 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) cultural night held in a local hotel at Bijilo. It is supported by the UNDP under the Climate Promise Initiative.

The invention aimed to provide affordable clean energy for Gambians.

The solar power utility model, households can now tap into the limitless potential of solar energy, reducing their carbon footprint and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

The model boasts a flexible pay-as-you-go system, shattering the financial barriers that often hinder access to renewable energy.

The project has three tailored options including- Small Utility (1.2 kW (ideal for small homes, reducing energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels); Medium Utility (2.4 kWp perfect for medium-sized homes, providing a reliable and efficient energy supply) and Large Utility (5 kWp suitable for larger homes and businesses, maximizing energy savings and minimizing carbon emissions).

The Solar Energy can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a decrease in global warming and associated climate change impacts, such as rising sea levels, increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events and changes in precipitation patterns and temperature.

Malang Sambou, executive director of Mbolo Association also the inventor said the solar energy project aimed to provide accessible and affordable clean energy to Gambian people, adding that the pay as you go solar energy was invented through rigorous research on clean energy.

He said any Gambian can subscribe to the pay as you go energy services to get stable and sustainable energy.

He said currently the project is supplying people with energy and yearning to provide more with affordable clean energy.

“This model of energy provision is cheap and clean,” he said.

“Our sponsors commitment in providing resources to support Mbolo Association A-138NGO is linked to improving livelihoods and increase wellbeing to our community-driven innovative solutions! Together we can maintain 1.5 degrees alive of Paris Agreement. From Malang the inventor of the kit,” he said.

He urged the government to closely work with the private sector and civil society to ensure sustainable development in the country. “Together with can easily attain our goals in the energy sector and all other areas,” he said.

Jankey Jarsey, trainer at Mbolo Association said the Pay As You Go energy system supply affordable energy to households and compound around the country.

“The energy demand in The Gambia is more than the supply; therefore, we have to work harder to clear the challenges with regards to energy,” she added.

Ms Jarsey said based on her interaction with the society many people are interested to subscribe to the energy project.

She called on the government to work closely with the project and also empower young people into innovation. This, she said can enhance social development.

David Jeng, consultant for Mbolo Association on the Pay As You Go Solar Energy Project said he has worked with Mbolo Association since 2024 on the new invention.

“As a consultant, I have worked closely with Mbolo to make sure we have the right invention that meet all IP requirements to be protected as a utility model. When the invention and the prototype was ready we were able to do all the necessary assessments and get all the necessary feedback that were needed to ensure we get protection for it,” he said.

Jeng said the project is one of the most energy solution providers in the country.

However, he thanked Mbolo for having the trust on him as a consultant for the project. He further thanked the IP office of the Ministry of Justice for providing the necessary support to ensure innovation across the country.

“This innovation will not only provide energy solutions but also create jobs for the young people, most especially the young women trained by Mbolo,” he said.