Solar powered cell phones for Zimbabwe

By Beaven Musanhu

A Zimbabwean company has shown innovation to take advantage of persistent power outages and launch a solar powered mobile phone that is set to be popular amongst desperate users unable to charge their phones.

Solar Solutions Managing Director Nyikadzino Gonese confirmed the sale of the phones starting last week and said it was meant to be a solution to the chronic power shortages that have become a permanent feature of life in Zimbabwe.

Even those living in rural areas where there is mostly no electricity will benefit tremendously from the phones. The phone called Commtiva costs about US$50 and is designed to keep working whether or not electric power is available. It can also charge from a wall socket if electricity is available.

The company says it hopes to sell thousands of hand sets in the urban and rural areas of the country.

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