Ked-LiphiProducing Chedza solar-powered backpacks



Ked-LIphi manufactures and sells Chedza solar backpacks that provide light and power for up to 7 hours from a full day of sun recharging. The backpacks are equipped with an LED bulb, a solar panel, a USB charging port, and a lightweight backup battery.
Their business model incorporates two revenue streams. Firstly, they collaborate with NGOs, corporations, foundations, and governments to manufacture and co-brand backpacks for donation to students in African communities. Secondly, they operate a retail store that sells backpacks to tourists, hikers, and campers while also offering repair services and component resale. With confirmed interest from potential customers and a growing customer base, their market includes both local and export markets. Their innovative product addresses the energy needs of over 60% of Africans, providing an affordable energy source to students and individuals affected by power outages like load shedding in South Africa.
Partners
UNDP Botswana has trained Ked-LIphiBw on the ATISA Supplier Development Programme (SDP). The project aims to create demand-based, market-driven opportunities for SMEs to increase their competitiveness through the innovative Suppliers Development Methodology while connecting essential small-scale producers/suppliers to larger markets locally as well as abroad.
U.S. Army (DEVCOM)’s partnership with Ked-LiphiBw contributes to the enterprise by providing strategies for growth, grooming, and expanding their operations. The partnership also involves upgrading their Chedza Solar Backpack into the Chedza Military Solar Backpack, which serves as personal expeditionary power for military personnel on missions.
Botswana Green Building Council contributes to the enterprise by advocating green practices in buildings, engaging building inhabitants and policy-makers, and developing a rating tool for efficient building certification in Botswana.
Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub (BDIH) contributes to Ked-LiphiBw’s enterprise by providing support and resources for technology, entrepreneurship, and commercialization. BDIH promotes innovative ventures and operates through its subsidiaries, Botswana Innovation Hub Properties (BIHP) and Botswana Innovation Hub Investments (BIHI).
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