d.light, a company committed to providing essential household products and financing to underserved communities, has announced a significant project to enhance the lives of refugees in Ugandan camps through solar-powered home systems. This initiative aims to improve living conditions and create economic opportunities for refugees.
Project Overview
d.light has pledged to supply 10,000 subsidized solar home systems to refugees from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other nations residing in Northern and Western Uganda. This effort is part of a larger campaign to deploy 23,000 solar systems across various refugee settlements.
Funding and Support
The project is funded by a $3.4 million grant from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and Energising Development (EnDev), an international program supported by the governments of Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland.
Leadership Perspective
Douglas Gavala, Managing Director for Uganda at d.light, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “This grant allows us to expand our work and significantly improve the lives of refugees in Uganda.” He emphasized the benefits of the solar systems, which include affordable lighting, mobile phone charging, and enhanced safety, education, and economic activities within the refugee communities.
Implementation and Impact
The project, set to operate over a 12-month period, follows a results-based financing model, meaning d.light will receive payments only after the solar systems are installed and operational. Each solar home system includes energy-efficient LED lights, an FM radio with MP3 support, mobile phone charging capabilities, and a portable solar flashlight. These features aim to address various household needs within the refugee camps.
Harnessing Solar Potential
Despite Africa possessing 60% of the world’s most potent solar resources, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the continent’s capacity to utilize solar power remains largely untapped. d.light’s project represents a significant step towards leveraging these resources to empower communities with limited access to electricity.
Continued Commitment
In addition to this initiative, d.light reinforces its commitment to aiding low-income populations through its Pay-Go financing model. This model has been bolstered by a recent $7.4 million investment aimed at making solar products more accessible and affordable for those in need.
Conclusion
d.light’s solar power project in Ugandan refugee settlements is poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of displaced individuals by providing reliable, affordable energy solutions and fostering economic growth within these communities.