Product quality certifications was acquired under the Lighting Global Project of the United Nations-affiliated World Bank*1 for the AKARi Solar Light Kit and Mini Moshi-Moshi solar power systems for household use developed and sold by GS Yuasa Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 6674; “GS Yuasa”).

Lighting Global supports the regional Lighting Africa and Lighting Asia programs, which catalyze and accelerate development of markets for high quality, affordable, solar lighting products. The regional programs work along the supply chain to reduce market entry barriers and first mover risks.

Although the Lighting Global Project certification had mainly been provided for the products of foreign electronics manufacturers and solar lantern manufacturers specializing areas without electricity as of the end of August 2014, GS Yuasa subsequently became the first battery manufacturer to acquire certification.

With the acquisition of this certification, it is expected that there will be exemptions from import taxes on the certified products in certain countries in Africa and Asia where electrification is being promoted in areas without electricity, and that national governments of these counties will give preferential treatment for individual import authorization and adoption in projects.

In 2013, GS Yuasa was selected by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a Preparatory Survey*3 for BOP Business*2 Promotion in Ethiopia and went on to implement the BOP business project. With the acquisition of this certification, GS Yuasa aims for the even further growth of BOP businesses.

*1. The World Bank is a specialized agency affiliated with the United Nations, and its main activities consist of financing aimed at the development and economic growth of developing countries.

*2. Businesses involving the base of the pyramid (BOP), the poor who subsist on less than USD 3,000 per year

*3. System to provide funding support for local business surveys by corporations planning BOP businesses in developing countries

■1. AKARi Solar Light Kit solar power system for household use

AKARi Solar Light Kit is a small-sized solar power system for household use equipped with one of GS Yuasa's long-life batteries. By charging the battery during the day using the solar panel, it is possible to use LED lights during the night and charge mobile phones. The product is equipped with two LED lights, and one of these lights provides three to ten times the brightness of similar products that are available on site. The USB charging terminal the product is equipped with can be used charge things such as small rechargeable batteries (nickel-metal hydride batteries), electrical anti-mosquito devices, small fans, etc. This product could be used as a starter product for the electrification of households without electricity.

■2. Mini Moshi-Moshi solar power system for household use

Similar to the AKARi Solar Light Kit, Mini Moshi-Moshi uses a solar panel and battery. One of the strengths of this product is to charge five mobile phones at the same time, which allows the user to run a mobile phone charging service as a business model that provides income and contributes to improvements in living standards. By facilitating the launch of mobile phone charging services by local people as new small businesses using this device, GS Yuasa aims to promote the economic independence of the poor, particularly women.
* It is equipped with one LED light, and can be used during the night similar to the AKARi Solar Light Kit.