The solar-powered cart that can charge 80 cell phones at once

By Sophie Eastaugh, for CNN
4 minute read
Updated 6:32 AM EDT, Mon September 23, 2019
Solar energy innovator Henri Nyakarundi with his portable mobile charging kiosk in Rwanda.
Power of the sun —
Solar energy innovator Henri Nyakarundi with his portable mobile charging kiosk in Rwanda.
Courtesy ARED
Nyakarundi said he wanted to do something that not only solves a practical problem -- charging empty cell phones -- but also has a social impact by creating micro businesses for people.
Nyakarundi said he wanted to do something that not only solves a practical problem -- charging empty cell phones -- but also has a social impact by creating micro businesses for people.
Tom Gilks/ARED
In a recent development, Nyakarundi has decided to make the franchising opportunity free for women and those with disabilities. "They are the most vulnerable group in Africa," said the businessman.
In a recent development, Nyakarundi has decided to make the franchising opportunity free for women and those with disabilities. "They are the most vulnerable group in Africa," said the businessman.
Tom Gilks
A brand new prototype, developed in Germany with funding from Microsoft and software company Autodesk, will launch this autumn, offering wifi and intranet services to rural communities.
A brand new prototype, developed in Germany with funding from Microsoft and software company Autodesk, will launch this autumn, offering wifi and intranet services to rural communities.
Courtesy ARED
Nyakarundi's kiosks are designed for places with high footfall, such as bus stops and marketplaces.
Nyakarundi's kiosks are designed for places with high footfall, such as bus stops and marketplaces.
Courtesy ARED
The bulk of ARED's revenue comes from advertising on the side of the kiosks, which can also be rented out to charities such as the Red Cross, pictured.
The bulk of ARED's revenue comes from advertising on the side of the kiosks, which can also be rented out to charities such as the Red Cross, pictured.
Courtesy ARED
Other African start ups using solar energy to reach customers off the grid include <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2016/06/02/africa/m-kopa-solar-tv-kenya/">M-KOPA Solar</a>, a Kenyan company that has launched a low-energy solar television.
Other African start ups using solar energy to reach customers off the grid include M-KOPA Solar, a Kenyan company that has launched a low-energy solar television.
Courtesy M-KOPA Solar/ALLAN GICHIGI
As well as televisions, M-KOPA Solar provides solar solutions for radios, lighting and other appliances for customers in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
As well as televisions, M-KOPA Solar provides solar solutions for radios, lighting and other appliances for customers in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Courtesy M-KOPA Solar/ALLAN GICHIGI
Ugandan company <a href="http://cnn.com/2016/02/15/africa/africa-solar-bus-kiira-uganda/index.html">Kiira Motors has launched Africa's first solar powered bus</a> -- and plans to expand the country's solar vehicle industry.
Ugandan company Kiira Motors has launched Africa's first solar powered bus -- and plans to expand the country's solar vehicle industry.
Kiira Motors Corporation
The bus features two battery bulbs, with one connected to solar panels on the roof to provide firepower for the electric motor. The second bulb is available for charging.
The bus features two battery bulbs, with one connected to solar panels on the roof to provide firepower for the electric motor. The second bulb is available for charging.
Kiira Motors Corporation
South Africa's George Airport has become the <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2016/03/04/africa/george-airport-solar-south-africa/">first on the continent</a> to be powered by solar energy. It harnesses 41% of its energy from the sun.
South Africa's George Airport has become the first on the continent to be powered by solar energy. It harnesses 41% of its energy from the sun.
Courtesy George Airport
In Rwanda, an Africa-shaped 8.5 <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/15/africa/africa-renewables-superpower/">megawatt solar plant</a> east of Kigali came into full production in December 2015. It has boosted<a href="http://gigawattglobal.com/2015/02/08/gigawatt-global-launches-east-africas-first-solar-field/" target="_blank" target="_blank"> the country's electricity capacity by 6%</a>.
In Rwanda, an Africa-shaped 8.5 megawatt solar plant east of Kigali came into full production in December 2015. It has boosted the country's electricity capacity by 6%.
Courtesy Gigawatt Global
The solar-powered cart that can charge 80 cell phones at once

Story highlights

Mobile solar-powered kiosks can charge up to 80 cell phones at a time

Though 70% of Rwandas have a mobile phone, only 18% have electricity

New model will bring wifi and intranet to rural communities

CNN  — 

Henri Nyakarundi never wanted a job.

Born to refugee parents from Rwanda, he grew up in Burundi until civil war again forced the family to move on. Relocating to the US, Nyakarundi studied computer science at Georgia State University and by 19 had founded his first start up.

“I was not a job type of guy,” laughed the entrepreneur. “I think it’s my personality, I’ve always liked to make my own decisions.”

Yet his product – a solar-powered mobile kiosk that charges cell phones and connects communities – aims to create thousands of jobs across Africa.

READ: Kenyan company launches solar TV

It has received numerous energy innovation awards and grants from the likes of Microsoft.

Solar kiosk franchisee, Jeanne Marie Uhiriwe, on the streets of Kigali, Rwanda
Solar kiosk franchisee, Jeanne Marie Uhiriwe, on the streets of Kigali, Rwanda
Tom Gilks/ARED

“My vision is to create at least 50,000 to 100,000 micro businesses across Africa,” Nyakarundi told CNN.

“It’s doable. You’re looking at a population that’s going to double in the next 25 to 30 years.”

The idea