Current and on-going projects
| SME3 |
SME2 |
PCASER2 |
In previous years EASE has been working with private energy entrepreneurs in rural Mali, who offer battery charging services, run a mill, or delivery electricity through a small electricity grid. In year 1 EASE selected three entrepreneurs who where assisted in professionalizing their business at technical, organizational, managerial and communications level. In year 2 the focus was on understanding spontaneous replication of energy businesses and tools have been developed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge to starting entrepreneurs. This year the business models and tools that have been developed will be distributed through suppliers of hardware for energy businesses, so as to reach a bigger target group.
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In rural areas in Mali there are many small-scale private entrepreneurs that serve part of the community, or simply the surrounding houses. They have a small electricity network, charge batteries and telephones or run a mill. In 2006 a number of these entrepreneurs have been supported to professionalize their business. In 2007 the focus was on analyzing the process of replication of similar activities by new entrepreneurs. Exchange between entrepreneurs was facilitated and tools were developed to support the professionalization and expansion of their energy business.
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In 2007 the lessons learned from the experiences in the year before were translated in small business manual for future PCASER entrepreneurs. One of the main problems the entrepreneurs ran into were administrative problems. In 2007 the entrepreneurs received training on the use of a software program to professionalize their billing system and were supported in their marketing efforts. Besides, the existing entrepreneurs were supported in their plans to extend the network through business support.
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Completed projects
| PCASER | SMEs |
The Malian government started a programme to encourage (existing) energy entrepreneurs to take up or expand activities in non or poorly served rural areas. Up to now 38 private electricity providers have signed up with this PCASER programme and are preparing their enterprises for the initiation of their activities. They all encounter similar problems in starting their new businesses, and EASE aims to assist them so as to provide as many people in rural areas with durable energy access.
Three PCASER entrepreneurs have been selected by Mali-Folkecenter for follow-up and assistance. The EASE pilot project wants to learn about the difficulties that these private electricity providers run into and provide hands-on and tailor-made training to enhance the managerial, administrative and client-management skills of these entrepreneurs. Training will as much as possible be given on the job, in partnerships with bigger companies in the area and will be geared towards the needs of the entrepreneurs.
On a different scale, Mali has many informal electricity providers in rural areas, often serving part of the community, or simply some neighbours. They have a small electricity network, charge batteries, or run a mill. They have the potential and motivation to provide energy access to many more people, if their specific needs for expansion would be met.
For 2006, EASE has selected three entrepreneurs who will be assisted in professionalising their business at technical, organisational, managerial and communication levels. EASE will accompany them and facilitate on the job and other training opportunities for these small entrepreneurs.
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