What if one seemingly impossible idea survived for twenty years – and not only survived, but thrived?
Twenty years ago this year, SolarAid, began with a simple but ambitious belief: that a world where everyone has access to clean, safe and affordable energy is possible.
Two decades on and for more than 13.3 million people, this vision is now a reality, with over 2.5 million solar lights helping to transform lives across communities in sub-Saharan Africa.
But when you look back at 20 years of change, it’s not just the big numbers that stand out. It’s the small moments that made them possible.
A conversation that sparked an idea. A chance meeting that became a partnership. Someone deciding to give, volunteer or share our mission. A solar light switched on for the first time. A person who saw a problem and believed there might be a different way.
Change rarely happens in one giant leap. More often, it is built through thousands of small actions, decisions and moments – many of which only become significant when you look back.
This September, we celebrated just some of the stories behind those numbers, bringing together old friends and long-standing supporters, colleagues from across SolarAid, voices from our work on the ground, for a glimpse into our archives.
A journey through 20 years
Brave Mhonie, Country Manager for Malawu, shares his personal connection to our work and SolarAid’s early years.
The evening began in darkness.
Around the room, an immersive soundscape transported guests to rural sub-Saharan Africa. As sounds of cicadas and other noises of the night filled the space, a single solar-light appeared. And the story began.
Through a mix of live narration and video footage, Brave Mhonie, General Manager at SolarAid Malawi, Richard Turner, Fundraising Director in the UK and Thomas Nyangulu Jr, Regional Communications Officer led us through SolarAid’s history up until today, and looked back at some of the moments that have shaped SolarAid since its beginnings.
We heard from our founder, Jeremy Leggett, alongside other voices, such as Steve Andrews, one of SolarAid’s former CEOs, who shared memories from the organisation’s early days – from testing some of our first prototype lights to seeing the growth of our first projects in Tanzania.
There was plenty of nostalgia, but what came through most strongly was how much can grow from a simple idea when people are willing to believe in it and act on it.
The same spirit continues to shape SolarAid today.
Small moments, lasting change
Thomas Nyangulu Jr., Regional Communications Officer for Zambia and Malawi, reflects on what’s next for SolarAid.
From our earliest projects to the work happening today in communities across Malawi and Zambia, our story has always been about people.
People who see a challenge and find a way to respond. People who share their knowledge, build businesses, create partnerships and help their communities access the energy they need.
At the celebration, Thomas Nyangulu Jr., SolarAid Regional Communications Officer for Zambia and Malawi, reflected on the importance of the next generation in carrying our mission forwards.
“I wasn’t here when SolarAid was founded. I wasn’t there in those first meetings, or when the first million lights were sold. My generation inherited something remarkable. We inherited twenty years of learning. Twenty years of courage. Twenty years of asking difficult questions. Which means my job and the job of everyone joining SolarAid today isn’t to repeat the last twenty years. It’s to build the next twenty.”
His words were a reminder that 20 years is not simply a milestone to look back on. It is a bridge between what has been achieved and what is still possible.
The supporters who make our work possible
SolarAid supporters come together to celebrate 20 years of impact and the people behind our work.
Of course, we wouldn’t be celebrating 20 years without the incredible community of supporters who have been part of the journey.
For two decades, people across the UK and beyond have helped make our work possible – through donations, partnerships, campaigning, volunteering and by simply sharing our vision of a world where everyone can access clean, safe and affordable energy.
Every one of those actions matter, and our anniversary celebration was a chance to pause and say thank you.
From long-standing partnerships to new supporters joining our community today, it was a joy to watch our community come together to celebrate the support that made it possible.
As one of our supporters puts it:
“Great format and venue and lovely balance of story and celebration and plans for the future. Favourite part – the whole atmosphere but the presentations in the auditorium were special.”
Feeling inspired? Watch our short video to see how small steps can lead to lasting change.