Of the 14% of the world’s population that live without access to modern electricity, 95% live in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Studies have shown that clean-energy technologies such as solar-powered lighting and cook stoves can increase income and save household energy costs in emerging markets. Rooftop solar-technology solutions provided by companies like SolarNow are a revolutionary alternative to grid- based electricity and are attracting policy and investor attention.

Given this ongoing technological revolution in Africa and the need for social and economic development on the continent, the off-grid rural communities of East Africa in which research partner SolarNow operates provide an ideal setting for this study. The research studies a private-sector-led initiative (i.e. after-sales service) to increase technology adoption and spearhead development in emerging markets.

As the corporate world becomes more active in addressing social challenges, this research will empower corporate leaders with innovative operational strategies to do business in emerging markets. Furthermore, adoption and continued use of novel technologies across sectors such as energy, healthcare, education and telecommunications have the potential to significantly accelerate social and economic development in emerging markets, and inspire next-generation leaders to build successful, technology-focused companies to stimulate development.

Timely After-Sales Service and Technology Adoption: Evidence from the Off-Grid Solar Market in Uganda