UNITED NATIONS: Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Akon says being a successful entertainer has given him a platform to pursue his dream of helping Africa grow and prosper.

The performer, songwriter and producer was born in the US of Senegalese parents and reared in both countries. He started an initiative called “Akon Lighting Africa” two years ago with a goal of bringing electricity to a million homes by the end of 2014. He told a UN news conference Wednesday on promoting clean energy that the initiative not only achieved that but has spread to 14 African countries.

Akon, born Aliaune Thiam, said the biggest obstacle to Africa’s growth is the need for infrastructure and energy.

That’s why he launched “Akon Lighting Africa” with two partners and a credit line of $1 billion, he said. It now employs over 5,000 mainly young people who install and maintain solar equipment.

“To be able to facilitate the needs of millions of people in Africa, has always been a dream of mine,” Akon said.