d.light, a leading provider of solar products and financing solutions for low-income households, announced a project to bring affordable solar home systems to refugees in Uganda. The initiative aims to supply 23,000 systems across settlements, with an initial rollout of 10,000 units funded by a $3 million grant.

This project is a collaborative effort between d.light, the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and the Energising Development (EnDev) program, supported by the German, Dutch, Norwegian, and Swiss governments. The $3 million grant leverages results-based financing (RBF), with d.light receiving funding only upon successful installation of solar home systems. “The grant will allow us to expand our work and improve living conditions for underserved refugee communities,” said Douglas Gavala, d.light’s Managing Director for Uganda. The project targets refugees from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other countries residing in Ugandan camps.

d.light’s solar home systems provide reliable, clean energy access, fostering positive social, economic, and environmental change. The extended lighting hours enable businesses to operate for longer periods, potentially increasing income for residents. Additionally, the project creates employment opportunities for locals through sales positions with d.light.

This project aligns with Africa’s growing need for clean energy solutions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), despite boasting 60% of the world’s best solar resources, Africa possesses only 1% of global solar power capacity. The continent requires significant investment, with the IEA estimating an annual need of $190 billion between 2026 and 2030, with clean energy comprising two-thirds of that figure.

This initiative follows d.light’s recent $7.4 million securitized financing secured in February 2024. These developments highlight the company’s commitment to expanding access to affordable solar power for low-income households across Africa.