'solar giraffe' is a communal space to charge cellphones in mozambique

THE CELLPHONE: A VALUABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC TOOL FOR GROWTH 

according to the world bank, only 7.9%  of the population in mozambique has access to electricity in rural areas where the cellphone has proven itself to be a valuable socio-economic tool as a means of communication and for its ease of transport. after extensive discussions with a local partner and with the community of mangunze, the installation of the ‘solar giraffe’ was proposed as a solution. 

‘our research identified the inherent value of communication in rural areas, specifically via cell phones, where it is fundamental for the socio-economic growth of communities,’ explains ruben morgado, the lead designer behind the project. 

technical closet with charging outlets

‘we concluded that cellphones, by expanding and strengthening social networks, contribute to the improvement of rural livelihoods and, consequently, to poverty reduction; increase people’s ability to deal with emergencies; reduce travel costs and maximize the results of the trips that are necessary. they increase temporal accessibility and increase the efficiency of rural activities. the use of cellphones also reduces the cost of doing business and increases productivity, helping rural traders and farmers to ensure better prices by quickly exchanging information related to their businesses,’  elaborates morgado. 

lockable charging cubbie

WHY CALL IT THE ‘SOLAR GIRAFFE’? 

morgado and his team initially shaped the structure as a horizontal space covered by solar panels on top. this initial proposal, however, received criticism from the community who advised that the panels be elevated. the project was therefore redesigned and the panels duly raised – giving the final structure a giraffe-like silhouette.

the team is currently developing other versions of the ‘solar giraffe’ with some potential uses already identified, such as pumping and storing water and agricultural refrigeration. to reach these goals, morgado points out that it is crucial to develop’ impactful solutions at an acceptable cost-benefit ratio‘. but proposed solutions do not always have the expected benefit. that’s why it becomes necessary to revisit the design of the project,  which can delay the mitigation of the problem identified at the start.

community members using the space

the carlos morgado foundation designed and promoted the project, and brought in as partners the irish embassy in mozambique, which financed the project, and the mozambique women of energy (MWE) association. local implementation was done by the nykani mavoko association.

illustrated manual of use

side view of the structure populated by youngsters

aerial view depicting the giraffe-like silhouette

financier: embassy of ireland in mozambique

local partner: nyikani mavoko association

photography: rui namburete

— video team — 

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edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom