NABIDI Power

Develops and distribute lamps, radios and chargers.
2013 SEED South Africa Award; European Union
Clean Energy
Bronkhorstspruit
South Africa

NABIDI Power products are for everyday use, with parts that can be repaired and replaced. NABIDI empowers the economy by using local SMMEs as the distribution network. These vendors market the products through their church and community organisations and are supported by small business development organisations in South Africa. Local communities are thus empowered while maintaining a profitable and sustainable commercial operation. NABIDI Power has a database of potential vendors who are convinced of the commercial appeal of their products.

Eco-Inclusive Impacts
NABIDI's products being the first with casings manufactured from a new bio-plastic made from sugar cane waste, their energy products help mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Enabling communities without electricity to connect and communicate through the ICT network by supplying affordable and durable mobile phone and laptop chargers, radios and lamps.
  • Creating employment for women and young people.
  • Commercialising a polymer based on a waste product from the sugar cane industry.
  • Using batteries without lead acid or cadmium and organising a battery exchange and recycling programme.
  • Reducing toxic emissions and fi re hazards from paraffin-based candles and lamps.
  • Stimulating the local economy and assisting in growth of the green SME sector.
  • Training SMME distributors of the products in business skills and giving them ongoing support through partnerships such as the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).

Partners

NABIDI Power aims to develop and distribute lamps, radios and chargers designed to operate for days at a time without recharging. Being the first products with casings manufactured from a new bio-plastic made from sugar cane waste, their energy products help mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Nabidi Power develops the “Handy Power” range and its business model, and is responsible for securing funding and financing.

The Innovation Hub supports Nabidi Power with business incubation through the Maxum Business Incubator. 

Climate Innovation Centre, Gauteng provides technical mentoring and support to green businesses. 

CSIR developed the bagasse biopolymer and is developing the industrial process engineering necessary for commercial use.