Electronics manufacturer Philips will launch a new solar powered reading light, which enables people to read (and write) after dark. The light – called ‘My Reading Light’ – was developed specifically for the education sector in Africa and will allow a new generation of school children to continue with their homework after sunset.

Today an estimated 500 million Africans live without electricity. For these people nightfall means either darkness or the flickering light of a candle or kerosene lamp. There are however many disadvantages of kerosene lanterns including health and safety risks, expensive oil-driven fuel prices, and the low light output which makes reading nearly impossible.

As a result, life in many parts of Africa practically comes to a halt at sundown, including children busy with their homework. Solar powered lighting solutions can make a true difference here.

‘My Reading Light’ provides high quality LED lighting. It is extremely lightweight and can be hand-held or placed over the page of a book, allowing the user to read or write. There is a choice of high/middle/low dimming settings. ‘My Reading Light’ has a built-in rechargeable battery providing between 3.5 and 9 hours of light depending on the light level selected. The reading light – which we expect to launch in autumn this year-, will be available in two versions: a standard light and a slimmed down, low-cost version with a target consumer price of less than 15 US dollars.

Future Vision by Erwin Van Lun on this article

Developments like this will have a tremendous impact on third world countries. Even the most rural areas will be connected by solar lighting and solar internet connections. The world will experience cultural clashes like never before, but it will also balance the knowledge in the world. Combined with the young demographics, Africa will finally be the future continent.