Mozambique’s “Solar Giraffe” brings power to rural communities
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In Mozambique, the Carlos Morgado Foundation installed “Solar Giraffes”, elevated, solar-powered structures, in communities lacking electricity, beginning in 2020. These structures provide mobile phone charging, lighting, and a radio for entertainment, benefiting over 44,000 people across the country.
Justino Cuna of Katembe Nsime, Maputo province, explained residents previously walked up to 10 kilometers to charge phones. The “Solar Giraffes” have become social hubs where people connect and discuss local issues like access to water and energy.
The initiative started in 2015 as a simple shelter and evolved into the giraffe-shaped design through feedback from the people it served. Ruben Morgado, the project’s executive director, stated the foundation hopes to expand the program throughout Mozambique, even aiming to add the word “girafar” to the Portuguese dictionary. Residents like Nora Matsinhe report the structures have simplified communication with family and friends, while Bernardo Pedro, a father of eight, now saves hours previously spent traveling to charge his phone.
Demand for the service is growing, and some communities are requesting additional units to meet the needs of a larger population and to power essential services like water pumps.
