SophiA International: The network for rural health centres that are self-sufficient in energy, water and cooling
Who we are
SophiA International is a French non-profit association (loi 1901) that carries forward the ambition of the European project SophiA 4 Africa: to give rural health centres in Africa lasting access to solar energy, safe drinking water and the cold chain.
In many villages, without a reliable electricity supply, health workers cannot keep vaccines cold, store medicines or provide care at night. Developed and proven in the field through the SophiA project, our technologies offer a practical, self-sufficient and sustainable response to these needs.
Cameroon, where it all began
Cameroon, one of the four demonstration sites of the SophiA project, lies at the heart of our story. A crossroads between Central and West Africa, it served as our testing ground and proof of concept.
At its General Assembly on 14 November 2026, the association SophiA F Cameroun will become SophiA International. Building on this experience, we are now extending our work to other countries.
The SophiA network
We support the creation of SophiA chapters in different countries. Brought together within the SophiA network, they are accredited and coordinated by our headquarters. In each country or sub-region, SophiA Ambassadors lead the project locally.
Our headquarters supports each chapter until it is fully self-sustaining, through:
- training for local teams and technicians;
- the transfer of expertise and know-how;
- technical support for the design and maintenance of installations;
- connections with partners and funders;
- the promotion of SophiA technologies internationally, particularly across Africa.
Our partners
We work alongside ministries of health, foundations, international organisations, public and private bodies, and civil society.
SophiA technologies are relevant to a wide range of sectors:
- health;
- energy;
- water;
- cooling and the preservation of vaccines, medicines and food;
- agriculture;
- technical training;
- local authorities.
Recognised expertise
Our President has sat on the SophiA project’s advisory board since its launch, bringing the association first-hand knowledge of the technologies, field results and partners of the European project.
Join the network
Open a chapter, become an Ambassador, support our work.
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