Powering positive change in the DRC

You can help create a brighter future for the DRC by investing in Altech's latest solar bond

Energise Africa is excited to offer investors the opportunity to support a new bond offer from Altech to support the rollout of solar home systems and solar lamps in the DRC. 

Altech, a Congolese company founded in 2013, aims to combat energy poverty in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where an estimated 79% of the population lives without electricity access, severely impacting their quality of life, health, education and employment opportunities. Altech was founded by two Congolese refugees who continue to drive the company’s growth, with a goal of positively impacting 50 million people in the DRC by 2030.

Changing lives for the better
Customer research shows the positive impact of solar access for families living off-grid in the DRC. The purchase of solar home systems (SHS) can generate additional income for 36% of households, with 85% engaging in more economic activities. 64% of customers report that their children have more time to study, improving educational outcomes. Twice as many women than men report improved financial well-being and increased leisure time, demonstrating the broader positive effects of SHS on household quality of life.

Altech has sold over 210,00 solar products in DRC, creating a significant positive impact on the lives of over 2.5 million people. The company also aims to create thousands of new, local jobs in the sector.

Tackling climate change
Solar home systems and solar lamps will replace kerosene as a fuel source, cutting carbon emissions and creating cleaner air for families. The latest bond offer will enable Altech to deploy 12,500 solar lanterns and 1,225 solar home systems to homes in DRC currently living without electricity and relying on kerosene and candles for energy and light. This will dramatically improve 68,625 lives as well as save 21,866 tonnes of CO2 over the lifetime of the systems and lanterns. Households using solar products experience a 61% reduction in kerosene use and this creates additional health and safety benefits.

Operating in the face of conflict
Altech has been aware of the risk of conflict between M23 rebel groups and the Congolese army in eastern DRC, where Altech has its headquarters. They preemptively closed their operations in Minova and evacuated staff and operations to Bukavu. Energise Africa continues to work with Altech to provide them with vital finance so that, in the face of challenging circumstances, they can continue to provide access to clean, affordable and reliable energy for the people of the DRC.

Altech's Company Ethos
Altech is a Congolese company for Congolese people. It not only serves customers with flexible, affordable, and low-carbon solutions to their energy problems but also creates local jobs and boosts the DRC economy.

Altech customers buy the products through a Pay As You Go model, making a small down payment and a series of installment payments on plans tailored to their needs. Many of the people that Altech serves could not afford the upfront costs of a solar home system, so this type of financing is life-changing for them.

Meet the Altech customers

Amina's Story
Amina, a mother residing in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, utilises the S800 and M600 solar lights to illuminate her home, enabling her family to carry out essential activities in the evenings. She appreciates that her children can do homework after dark without paying energy bills. According to Amina, using solar energy has obvious financial benefits, along with the reliability it’s given them, She highlights the peace of mind found in the safety that comes with no longer using candles.

Amina also points out that many families would not be able to afford the systems in the first place without the Altech payment program. With this, access for so many more Congolese is possible because "the progressive payments make it easier for us financially," adding that "it’s life-saving for low-income households, which are not able to pay large amounts spontaneously.".The Altech solar kits allow them "to do tasks more easily, especially while cooking, eating with the family, doing homework with the children, or listening to our favourite shows on the radio,” and the children find the “eco-friendly light is easy to use”.

Daniel's Story
Daniel owns a bar in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, a gathering place for football fans. He switched to an Altech solar system in 2021, which allowed him to remain open during power outages. "For my business, I can easily use my TV kit for game nights without worrying about power cuts in my bar. It is a really practical, clean and safe light," he says.

Daniel also appreciates the safety and mobility of not being tied to an energy company, which is important in an area prone to natural disasters or conflict. “For people like us, living in areas where a volcano can erupt at any time, having a solar kit like this one is a safe bet. If a war or an eruption arises, we can move around and install it where we take refuge,” he says. He no longer has expenses related to energy, fuel, and battery flashlights because "solar energy is an inexpensive answer to electricity needs."

Daniel hopes solar technology spreads in his country and appreciates that using Altech means supporting fellow Congolese entrepreneurs who created the company because “only a local company can see the real needs of the people and the various difficulties they face to provide practical solutions."

Neema's Story
Neema is an entrepreneur who owns a restaurant in Goma. She uses solar lamps to keep her restaurant open later in the evening, which has allowed her to expand her business. “I used to use candles and make little profit. The solar lamps that I bought from Altech have changed my life,” she says. Now Neema is able to allow guests to eat well into the evening, and her business continues to grow thanks to both savings and more profit. “Solar energy represents a business opportunity for me," and "these lanterns allow me to work later in the evening, and thus expand my business,” she says

You can be a part of Altech’s future success
We are pleased to welcome Altech back to Energise Africa with their 7th bond offer. They are aiming to raise £500,000 to deploy 12,500 solar lanterns and 1,225 solar home systems to homes in DRC. Investments start at just £50 and target a 8% annual return. Every £316 invested will help Altech provide a solar home system and a solar lantern to a family previously living without electricity in DRC. Find out more here.

If you are interested in investing to create positive social, environmental and economic impacts in the DRC, check out their profile here: