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Velux Group, a Danish roof window manufacturer, has announced that it will deliver 20,000 solar lamps to four African countries as part of its Natural Light solar lamp in Africa project, according to a statement released on Wednesday.

The Copenhagen-based company said it will deliver the lamps to off-grid communities in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, and Malawi in order to provide a sustainable light source to areas that lack access to electricity.

The Natural Light project uses an entrepreneurial distribution model to distribute the solar lamps. The Velux Group donates the lamps and trained sales agents sell them at locally affordable prices in off-grid communities. The project was launched earlier this year in Senegal, Zimbabwe and Zambia, with Velux Group donating an initial batch of 14,500 lamps.

“We have extended the programme to Malawi after the very positive uptake in the other countries – team members from Zambia had shared the story with the new project participants in Malawi, and we are excited to have them join the Natural Light family,” said Michael K. Rasmussen, Senior Vice President, Brand, at the Velux Group.

The Natural Light project was created to celebrate the Velux Group’s 75th anniversary. The project was launched in partnership with Little Sun, a social business, and Plan International, a charity.

The solar lamps were designed by winners of the Natural Light International Design competition last year. The lamps can produce up to 50 hours of light after just 5 hours of charging in the Sun, according to Velux Group.

“As a company built on knowledge of light and fresh air, the Natural Light project was a beautiful way to celebrate our 75th anniversary and bring better living environments outside our normal markets,” Rasmussen said. “Apart from light for reading or cooking after sunset and substitute the smelly kerosene lamp, the Natural Light project has helped foster young, ambitious entrepreneurs who now have their own businesses.”

Founded in 1941, Velux Group manufactures roof windows and modular skylights, as well as a range of decorative elements, blinds, roller shutters, installation solutions and remote controls. The privately-held company has operations in 40 countries and around 9,500 employees worldwide. The Velux Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company wholly owned by foundations and family.