Ked-Liphi manufactures solar-powered backpacks
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Tuesday March 8, 2022 06:00
Trading under Ked-Liphi (Pty) Ltd the business specialises in Electronics Engineering, Innovations and Auto Electrical Engineering and their workshop is located in Gaborone, Block 8, Plot 36336.
Recently, Ked-Liphi started its second innovation called ‘Chedza Solar Backpack’, which assists students in rural areas where there's no electricity or in situations parents cannot afford to buy electricity tokens.
Liphi told Business Monitor the new product, the affordable solar-powered schoolbags, try to bridge the existing gap for students for them to be at an equal level.
He said that for years some students in remote areas and towns missed out a lot on their studies due to lack of access to electricity.
The entrepreneur added that the backpack is a solution and gives students access to study anytime despite the circumstances arising at home.
He stated that he incorporated solar lighting and charging systems in a bag made of canvas material.
He explained that the backpack charges during the day when the student is carrying it and the energy stored would later be automatically used for lighting later or charging other electrical devices. Liphi said that even though the bags were initially made for students, they have been receiving orders from people who want to use them for other purposes.
He highlighted that some of their clients want to use the bags for camping and as backup power during electrical cuts.
He shared that the demand for the product is very high even though it will be launched very soon.
When speaking about his business in general, innovative Liphi said that the business was founded in 2013 and officially registered in 2016 and the company has been steadily growing till today.
He said that their first innovation was a machine called 'Automatic Diagnostic Combo Machine', which is an access system that can screen someone’s body temperature, do facial recognition, scanning of identity cards and passports. He said that to date Ked-Liphi has been self-funded and they plan to build innovation hubs across Africa where all the real magic happens. He added: “I have always had the passion and love to be an independent businessman. Growing up I have always dreamt of using my creativity to develop something that will have an impact on the world. Hence my interest in technology, which I believe holds the key to the future.” Liphi indicated that he would like to focus more on the innovation department, which will assist in solving daily problems that Botswana and the continent face by using electronic technology. He said that like any other business they have in the past encountered challenges in the same department. He said that one of their major problems is financing their products as it is expensive because all of their products are tested. The entrepreneur added: “Currently, 70% of the resources and components we use are locally sourced and 30% we import”.
He said that they are different from their competitors because they bring solutions to their clients.
The Ked-Liphi owner shared that he has seven employees and will hire more staff when they expand their business in future.