Solar Power Brings Hope to War-Torn City in Democratic Republic of Congo
In the midst of conflict and uncertainty, a beacon of light is shining in the Ndosho neighbourhood of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Solar power, once a luxury, is now a lifeline, reviving businesses, improving security, and restoring hope to a city that has been at the heart of eastern Congo’s conflict. The introduction of a 1.3-megawatt solar mini-grid, set up by Congolese-American company Nuru, has been a game-changer for the community.
Ndosho, once a displacement camp, had only 3% of its population with access to electricity. The switch to solar energy has not only lowered costs but also made work more efficient for artisans and craftspeople like carpenter Jacques Muhindo. "It helps us a lot," he says. "The only problem we do experience is power cuts whenever it’s cold or raining. But when the sun is out, we work from morning to night without any problems." This shift has been particularly significant, as solar panels have proven more reliable than the diesel generators commonly used in the area.
Despite the ongoing fighting in Goma, which has resulted in the loss of over 3,000 lives since the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured the city in late January, community members are fiercely protective of the solar grid. While stray gunfire has occasionally damaged solar panels, Alain Byamungu Chiruza, senior director of business development at Nuru, notes, "There is often gunfire in the community because of the insecurity, so it can affect one or two solar panels. But we don’t generally have many of these incidents, and our panels are safe, because the community understands that these solar panels were set up for their own good."
The Goma solar grid has received backing from global investors, including the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation and private foundations. Nuru’s ambitious goal is to provide 10 million Congolese people with solar power by December 2030. The company has already set up panels in other Congolese cities, including Faradje, Tadu, and Beni, demonstrating its commitment to expanding access to renewable energy across the country.
As the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to navigate the challenges of conflict and development, the impact of solar power in Ndosho serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for innovation and community resilience to drive positive change. In a city that has faced unimaginable hardship, the light of solar power shines bright, offering a glimpse of a brighter, more hopeful future.
