Bringing Safe Solar Lighting to Students Across Sierra Leone
Changing Lives in Africa Since 2006
We're breaking the cycle of poverty.
Education Exclusion in West Africa: The Crisis We Must Solve
In Sub-Saharan Africa, millions of children are missing out on school. According to United Nations statistics, more than 1 in 5 children aged 6–11 are not enrolled in primary school. By ages 12–14, that number jumps to 1 in 3 youth.
This education crisis in Africa is more than a statistic—it’s a future at risk. Without access to quality education, children face limited opportunities, unemployment, and a cycle of poverty that can last for generations.
Our Mission: Empowering African Students Through Education
Develop Africa is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and youth in West Africa, particularly Sierra Leone, through education, training, and essential support.
We believe education is the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty. That’s why our programs focus on:
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Scholarships for African students who can’t afford tuition
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School supplies donations, including pencils, textbooks, and uniforms
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Vocational training in Sierra Leone to prepare youth for jobs
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Computer skills training in Africa for higher education and workforce readiness
A Community-Led Approach for Lasting Impact
We work closely with our local partner, Develop Africa Sierra Leone, ensuring that our education programs in West Africa are community-led and culturally relevant.
From grassroots school projects to training opportunities for African youth, our approach addresses immediate needs while fostering long-term self-reliance. This means your support doesn’t just make a difference today—it builds a brighter tomorrow.
Meet Develop Africa
Discover how Develop Africa has been partnering with communities across Africa since 2006 to expand access to education, empower youth and women, strengthen schools, and create lasting opportunities.
Watch this one-minute introduction to learn more about our mission and the impact we're making together.
Over 25,000 children, youths, and adults in 10 countries have received school supplies, tuition/scholarships, computer / vocational training, microfinance loans, mosquito nets, disaster relief, and miscellaneous support since 2006.
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Kids with SolarBuddy Lamp at The Assembly of God Church - Sierra Leone, July 2026 -
Sylvester Renner, Founder and President of Develop Africa holding a SolarBuddy lamp - July 2026 -
Staff packing SolarBuddy lamps - Develop Africa Sierra Leone, July 2026 -
SolarBuddy lamp on a table - Sierra Leone, July 2026 -
Kid with SolarBuddy lamp and a note - Sierra Leone July, 2026
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Kid with SolarBuddy lamp and a note - Sierra Leone July, 2026 -
Girl receiving SolarBuddy lamp - Sierra Leone July, 2026 -
Kamara holding SolarBuddy lamp - Sierra Leone July, 2026 -
Kids with SolarBuddy lamp - Sierra Leone July, 2026 -
Shalina, University student holding a SolarBuddy lamp - Sierra Leone July, 2026
A single solar light can do more than illuminate a room.-
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FAWE Teachers in Computer Training Workshop
Strong schools begin with empowered teachers.-
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Candid Plantinum Transparency Seal Earned By Develop Africa in 2026 -
Develop Africa Programs Pictures In A Collage - 2026
The highest level of recognition for nonprofi-
Develop Africa was officially registered and recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on January 30, 2006. With nearly two decades of continuous, on-the-ground work, our approach is shaped not by theory, but by real experience—what works, what fails, and what it takes to build systems that last.
Develop Africa, Inc. is a top-ranked, five-star-rated nonprofit organization on www.GlobalGiving.org.
We invite you to join us in impacting lives and building destinies. We can make a phenomenal difference together. The time is now. Today is the best time to sow seeds into lives - to build a better future.
