Kumudzi Kuwale

NO ONE SHOULD BE LEFT IN THE DARK

This project provided affordable, renewable electricity and light to the most marginalised, rural population in Malawi. More than 15 million people in the country live in areas without access to stable electricity and a large portion cannot afford solar home systems. Through Kumudzi Kuwale‘s charging stations, villagers were able to rent rechargeable lamps for just over one US Dollar per month. The solar charging stations are established in a centrally-located house and operated by the homeowner on a commission basis. Kumudzi Kuwale currently operates 34 stations serving 17,000 people in the Central District. With EEP Africa financing, Kumudzi Kuwale’s business model was scaled up to 126 charging stations and expanded to new regions across Malawi.

Outcome and Impact

The project built 92 new solar charging stations that provided affordable light to rural areas of Malawi, which are outside the national electricity grid. The service enabled customers to switch from kerosene light (Tier 0) to electrical light (Tier 1), leading to numerous benefits, including increased health and productivity. Since the charging stations are operated by local residents, the project has created almost 100 direct jobs and significantly contribute to local productivity and empowerment through stable incomes.