The newly completed 120kWp hybrid system, complemented by a 225kWh ground-mounted battery energy storage capacity and a 72kVa generator, is poised to bring consistent and reliable power to 350 users. Aptech Africa’s innovative solution includes a distribution line and a Remote Monitoring Unit (RMU) for real-time monitoring.

Mobile Power Ltd (‘MOPO’), the pay-per-use battery technology company, is pleased to announce that it has raised €3 million to accelerate the roll out its solar charged hub-based battery rental business in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (‘DRC’).

This country, rich in ‘green metals’ like cobalt and copper and home to the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, has recently joined the East African Community and is experiencing a surge in its startup ecosystem. In 2023, the DRC achieved a notable milestone by securing $62 million in startup funding.

While the startup scene in the DRC is still in its infancy and does not feature in most global startup ecosystem rankings, several interesting startups have begun paving the way for greater recognition of the country as a startup hub.

The solar-powered fridge from French start-up Koolboks is already on the market in Kinshasa to help preserve fresh produce, which is often thrown away for lack of storage facilities. The solution is supported by Orange Energy, the platform of French telecommunications company Orange responsible for promoting innovation.

The grant will support the creation of a 3.7MW solar mini-grid that will provide approximately 5,146 connections to underserved communities in the Goma region of the DRC. Nuru’s project aims to electrify three neighborhoods in the Goma region, which were previously experiencing limited access to electricity, with average access rates as low as 3%.

Recognising the increasing power demand in the DRC, an electrical sub-contractor has decided to stock generator sets. The market is expected to favour standard WEG generator sets which are manufactured in South Africa.

Owanga offers a “plug and play” solution by providing portable battery packs that can power a one-bedroom home or small business for the cost of $2 per day. The device can be purchased at their shop. However, they plan to build strategic locations in 2024 so customers won’t be bound to just one.