The MOU was signed by Eustache Muhanzi Mubembe, DRC’s Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity and Co-founder and COO of Bboxx Laurent Van Houcke at the UK - Africa Investment Summit in London.
The MoU builds on Bboxx’s ongoing work in the country where it has already provided 200,000 people with access to electricity, changing lives and unlocking potential.
Access to electricity will trigger higher economic growth in the DRC while supporting to advance the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Transferring reliable, affordable energy (SDG 7) will drive the generation of 100,000 jobs and promote sustained, inclusive economic growth (SDG 8) as well as offset four million tonnes of CO2e emissions to help combat climate change (SDG 13).
Identifying that traditional grid infrastructure is not a viable solution in rural and peri-urban areas of the DRC, President Tshisekedi announced: "With the DRC’s growing population, new grid connections are needed each year to keep the electrification rate constant. My ambition is to use decentralised and renewable energy solutions as a foundation to boost the country’s electrification rate from 9% to 30% during my presidency.”
Mansoor Hamayun, CEO and Co-founder, Bboxx said: “It’s very encouraging to see the DRC’s ambitious vision to use the latest technology to improve the country’s energy access and to drive economic development.
“Bboxx has already experienced a tangible impact in the country and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with the government to continue to change more lives. This agreement will be the key to unlocking the potential of underserved communities and to ensure a successful socio-economic impact on the Congolese population."
Bboxx Ltd is a next-generation utility, is a British company that produces, distributes and finances decentralised solar powered systems in developing countries.