What is the Little Sun Project?
Little Sun powers smallholder farmer productivity in rural Zambia through innovative solar energy solutions. The initiative is built around Community Energy Hubs that empower local farmers to sell their milk for collection by national dairy companies. Founded in 2012 by artist Olafur Eliasson and engineer Frederik Ottesen, Little Sun began with the distribution of a small, portable solar lamp in Ethiopia—a humble start that has since blossomed into a global effort. Over the years, the project has expanded from providing clean light to delivering agritech innovations that include state-of-the-art quality analysis and digital, real-time operation and impact monitoring. It is a living example of how art meets utility in transforming lives through renewable energy…
Main Benefits
- $194 million household savings to those living beyond the energy grid
- 4.6 million lives impacted by solar solutions
- 185 million extra study hours for school children studying after dark
Little Sun’s approach delivers affordable, clean energy that reaches the most underserved communities. The reported figures demonstrate not just remarkable savings but also significant social impact. It may sound like a dream, yet these numbers reflect a real and measurable change—uplifting hundreds of thousands, if not millions, by powering education, healthcare, and economic activity. By using innovative solar technology, Little Sun is shaping a future where the flick of a switch is not a given, and every ray of sunshine becomes a symbol of hope and progress.
Innovative Agritech Solutions in Zambia
In the Chibombo province, Little Sun introduces its cutting-edge agritech offering to revolutionize farming practices. Farmers gain access to the formal milk market, innovative cooling technologies powered by solar energy, and state-of-the-art quality analysis systems. Through digital real-time operation and impact monitoring, the project ensures that every part of the process is efficient and future-ready. The clever integration of affordable technology and community training enables farmers to overcome energy scarcity, opening new avenues for expanding market access. It is impressive how a simple idea—using solar energy to power essential tools—generates profound shifts in productivity and income for rural communities…
Expanding the Horizon Beyond Pure Energy
The scope of Little Sun extends well beyond the distribution of solar lamps. In various regions, including Senegal, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Burundi, the project arms communities with solar-powered systems to pump water, process staple crops, and enable cold storage along with food drying. These initiatives not only conserve food but also boost agricultural productivity. Farmers in remote areas find that mechanizing equipment and accessing quality market linkages is no longer a distant dream, thanks to the infusion of solar energy into their daily practices. Such interventions are a refreshing spin on traditional agriculture, merging technological innovation with time-tested local systems.
Sustainable Market Linkages for Smallholders
Central to Little Sun’s strategy is the drive to create sustainable market linkages for smallholder farmers. By introducing solar-powered milk chillers in Zambia, local farmers are now able to tap into formal markets that were previously inaccessible due to energy shortcomings. The project uses a thoughtful, four-part approach: it first identifies the specific gaps in market access; then, it delivers purpose-built technology tailor-made to local needs; next, it builds an ecosystem of collaborative stakeholders—from funders to local cooperatives; and finally, it implements technical and business training alongside long-term monitoring. This structured yet dynamic methodology is opening new doors and ensuring that rural communities can thrive economically in a sustainable manner…
Project Impact on Global Communities
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 4 – Quality Education
- SDG 13 – Climate Action
- SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Vision for a Solar-Powered Future
Little Sun’s mission speaks to a broader vision—a thriving world powered entirely by renewable energy. The initiative has evolved from simply providing solar lights to empowering entire communities with comprehensive, solar-powered solutions that enhance education, health, and economic opportunity. Office hubs in Berlin and Lusaka coordinate efforts across continents to help children study safely after dark, support healthcare workers in remote regions, and enable entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in often-overlooked rural areas. The project’s transformative work in Zambia, using solar Power Hubs to increase agricultural productivity, is complemented by past achievements in off-grid locations around the globe. In essence, Little Sun is a work of art that works in life—harnessing the awesome power of the sun to nurture hope, empower communities, and create a sustainable future where energy is not a luxury but a universal right…
