Another Interesting Blog: AfriGadget

I've just found AfriGadget, whose by-line is "Solving everyday problems with African ingenuity."

The latest entry (at least when I'm writing this) discusses a product designed to deal with a common African problem: blackouts. The solution, from street vendors in Nairobi, is to take a used tin can, cut a couple of holes in it, attach batteries, wires, and a light bulb, add a metal handle so you can move the thing, et voila! Light.

Of course it would be great if Kenyans had regular and affordable electricity but, given that they don't, they can at least be thankful for local entrepreneurs coming to the rescue. In fact, this example strikes me as quintessential entrepreneurial behavior: alertness to an opportunity, ingenuity put to work to meet a need, some risk taking, followed by a voluntary exchange.

The juakali lamps are selling for approx. $2.50 -- no doubt less for locals.

- Karol

(photo is from the Afrigadget blog site).