Improving Energy Access for refugees in Rwanda - Working with the private sector
Loading...
Authors
Whitehouse, Katie
Issue Date
2021-08-19
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Energy
Alternative Title
Abstract
The Renewable Energy for Refugees (RE4R) project, led by Practical Action and UNHCR, aims to deliver inclusive access to affordable and reliable clean energy within three camps in Rwanda. The project has done this using market systems development approaches, engaging with the private sector as a key market actor. Practical Action has worked with two different solar companies to deliver household energy access for refugees; one an established multi-national solar home system (SHS) provider across African households with some experience in refugee contexts and reputable SHS products; the other an established Rwandan solar business breaking into a new market, looking for opportunities to test new business models for hard-to-reach customers. This paper compares the business models, products, services and financing mechanisms employed by the two companies and the different facilitation strategies used by Practical Action. It shares our learning and recommendations on how to partner with the private sector to deliver the systemic changes in the market needed to deliver sustainable energy access for refugees.