BBOXX to bring solar power to 2.5 million in Democratic Republic of Congo

BBOXX will provide electricity via its home solar systems to 2.5 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by 2020.

The off-grid solar company said on Thursday it has signed a deal with the government of the DRC as part of the latter's Energie pour Tous programme, which aims to aid rural electrification through off-grid solar kits and mini-grids. BBOXX is the first company to sign a contract under the initiative, according to the announcement. The government is also exempting the solar equipment from import tax.

The solar systems will be distributed via BBOXX's network and with BBOXX's distribution partner in Kinshasa, Orange Energie. Their roll-out is expected to create 10,000 jobs. Customers will pay through mobile money as little as USD 15 (EUR 13) a month for a light, radio and phone system, BBOXX said.

"The government has provided the right regulatory framework and tariff policies that has allowed private companies like BBOXX to work effectively in the country’s energy industry for the benefit of its citizens," commented Laurent Van Houcke, BBOXX chief operations officer and co-founder.

BBOXX has been present in the DRC, where 62 million people live off-grid, through a partnership with Victron Energy to supply large pay-as-you-go solar to the urban region Goma.

(USD 1 = EUR 0.851)

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