The Spark of an Idea: From Childhood Struggles to a Vision for Change

Innocent James, a 33-year-old entrepreneur from Arusha, Tanzania, grew up in a world without electricity. After completing his chores each day, he would lie down under the dim light of a kerosene lamp to read, sacrificing comfort for the love of learning. His childhood struggles with limited lighting options inspired a vision that would later transform the lives of thousands of children across Africa. Today, James is the founder of Soma Bags, a company that produces solar-powered backpacks equipped with reading lights, offering a sustainable and affordable solution to the widespread issue of energy poverty in rural Tanzania.

James’ journey began with a deep love for reading, instilled by his mother and grandmother, both schoolteachers. However, during his time at university in Mwanza, he noticed a disturbing trend: schoolchildren skipping class to play video games in local cafés, often spending money their families could ill afford. This experience left him frustrated and determined to find a way to rekindle their love for learning. Before his final semester, James dropped out of university and invested his remaining tuition money into a mobile library cart, visiting schools and starting reading clubs that attracted hundreds of children. But despite their eagerness to read, many children couldn’t afford the light needed to do so after dark.

This problem—poor access to electricity—plagued fewer than half of households in mainland Tanzania, with rural areas faring even worse. Families relied on kerosene lamps, which were not only expensive but also dangerous and polluting. Recognizing this barrier, James sought a solution. Inspired by a professor who carried a solar-powered phone charger in a fabric pouch, he decided to create a backpack with a solar panel that could charge a reading light during the day, providing hours of electricity-free illumination.

A Journey of Empowerment: How One Man’s Determination Transformed Education

In 2016, James took his first steps toward turning his vision into reality. He began hand-making 80 backpacks a month, sewing solar panels sourced from China onto repurposed cement bags. These bags were durable, lightweight, and cost-effective, using abundant waste materials found in Mwanza. The backpacks charged during children’s walks to and from school, storing enough energy to power a reading light for six to eight hours. This innovation not only addressed the issue of unreliable lighting but also made education more accessible and affordable for families.

The solar backpacks quickly gained popularity, and by 2019, James had officially founded Soma Bags (a name derived from the Swahili word for “reading”). The company expanded rapidly, and in 2020, James opened a factory in the village of Bulale, employing 65 people. The backpacks were sold primarily through his growing network of mobile library carts, but their appeal soon extended beyond rural Tanzania. Over 200 charities purchased the bags to distribute to children in need, and Soma Bags began gaining traction in urban areas as well.

James’ innovation also attracted international attention. Fashion brands from Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Kenya began collaborating with Soma Bags, recognizing the potential for sustainable and socially impactful design. The company even diversified its product line, offering travel, sports, and cosmetic bags, some of which included built-in charging systems capable of powering electronic devices like smartphones.

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Enterprise

The success of Soma Bags lies not only in its innovative design but also in its commitment to sustainability and community impact. The backpacks made from repurposed cement bags are eco-friendly, reducing waste while providing a practical solution to energy poverty. Each bag features a unique design—bright yellow or green stripes with the silhouette of a giraffe—a nod to African culture that has resonated with customers worldwide.

“We never thought someone would turn waste cement bags into something so useful,” said Joseph Manirakiza of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), which has supported Soma Bags since 2023. The company’s growth has been exponential, with over 36,000 solar backpacks sold across Africa in 2023 alone. Its impact extends beyond education, empowering families to take control of their energy needs and breaking the cycle of poverty.

James’ journey is a testament to the power of determination and creativity. His ability to transform challenges into opportunities has not only improved access to education but also created jobs and inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs. As Soma Bags continues to expand, James remains deeply connected to his roots, running reading groups for children twice a week from his mobile cart. “Sometimes I see a kid with the bag, and I’m like, wow,” he said with a smile. “I can’t really believe it.”

Expanding Horizons: A Company with a Global Impact

Soma Bags’ success has not gone unnoticed. The company has been recognized by numerous organizations, including the UNDP and the British government, for its innovative approach to addressing energy poverty and education challenges. Its impact extends beyond Tanzania, with distribution partners in countries such as Nigeria, Rwanda, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The company’s broader vision is to empower children and families across Africa, where an estimated 600 million people lack access to electricity. While solar-powered lamps are common, Soma Bags stands out for its integration of light with a practical, everyday item—the backpack. This approach ensures that the product is both useful and accessible, particularly for schoolchildren who must walk long distances daily.

The success of Soma Bags has also inspired other organizations to adopt similar models. For example, Smart Girls Uganda, a hybrid social enterprise, has distributed over 12,000 solar-powered bags to children in Africa. “It’s more than just lighting,” said Jamila Mayanja, the company’s CEO. “It’s about giving them control over their education, their future, and helping to break the cycle of poverty.”

More Than Just Light: Empowering the Future of Africa

The impact of Soma Bags goes beyond providing light; it is about creating opportunities for children to learn, grow, and succeed. By addressing energy poverty, James has opened doors to education and economic empowerment, particularly in rural communities where resources are scarce.

James’ story is a powerful reminder that innovation can emerge from the most challenging circumstances. His ability to think creatively and act boldly has not only transformed his own life but also improved the lives of thousands of others. As Soma Bags continues to grow, its influence extends far beyond the solar backpacks it produces. It represents a larger movement of young African entrepreneurs taking charge of their futures and building a brighter, more sustainable world for generations to come.

A Legacy of Light: Celebrating the Visionary Behind Soma Bags

Innocent James’ journey from a childhood under kerosene lamps to the helm of a thriving social enterprise is a testament to the transformative power of vision and perseverance. His work with Soma Bags has earned him recognition as a leader in innovation and sustainability, but his greatest legacy is the impact he has had on the lives of countless children and families.

As James continues to expand his company and inspire others, his story serves as a reminder that even the smallest ideas can have a profound impact. “There is a crop of young people in Tanzania who are realizing they have to take the future into their own hands,” said Manirakiza. “Innocent represents a group of young people using their talent to do something meaningful.”

For James, the journey is far from over. With Soma Bags poised for further growth and a growing network of supporters worldwide, his vision of a brighter, more educated future for Africa is becoming a reality—one solar backpack at a time.