Calling All Innovators to Supply PURE Appliances to Refugee Camps in Rwanda
Practical Action and Energy Saving Trust open requests for companies to supply Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) appliances to refugee camps in Rwanda.
Practical Action, in partnership with Energy Saving Trust, is inviting qualified suppliers and distributors to submit proposals for the supply of off-grid Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) appliances to support the economic empowerment of refugees and host communities in Mahama, Kiziba, and Nyabiheke refugee camps in Rwanda. The deadline for submitting proposals is Monday 6 January 2025.
We held an interactive webinar to address any questions on the RFP on Tuesday 17 December.
You can find the following resources from the webinar here:
About the project
The Humanitarian Productive Uses of Renewable Energy in Rwanda (H-PURE Rwanda) Request for Proposals (RFP) supports an initiative managed by Practical Action to empower refugee and host communities in Rwanda by delivering modern energy solutions that improve livelihoods in the Nyabiheke, Kiziba, and Mahama refugee camps. Backed by funding and technical expertise from Energy Saving Trust under the Low-Energy Inclusive Appliances Programme (LEIA), itself co-funded by UK aid from the UK government, via the Transforming Energy Access platform, and IKEA Foundation, this project seeks to catalyse sustainable energy access in underserved areas. British High Commission Kigali is also providing funding for this initiative.
H-PURE Rwanda aims to provide access to previously unavailable technology and establish a foundation for PURE entrepreneurs and distributors to sustain operations in refugee camps and host communities beyond the end of the programme. Refugee entrepreneurs will own the PURE assets and use them to generate income, while distributors will sell and install appliances, provide after-sales services such as repair, and potentially provide consumer financing.
By enhancing access to standalone off-grid Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) appliances, the initiative addresses the critical energy needs of households and businesses in refugee camps and host communities that lack grid electricity, helping to boost incomes and build long-term self-reliance. It also enhances market opportunities for PURE appliance manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors, both local and international. Companies without a presence in Rwanda are encouraged to partner with local distributors. This RFP welcomes participation from women-owned and women-led companies to ensure inclusive opportunities.
Key project details
Proposal Scope
H-PURE Rwanda focuses on improving access to standalone off-grid PURE solar appliances. These include solar refrigerators, solar freezers, solar grain mills, solar dryers, solar egg incubators, sewing machines, solar lighting systems for small enterprises and solar enterprise kits (including hair clippers, radios, TVs, speakers, phone chargers, etc.). Applicants may include both the appliances they currently offer from this list and those they wish to add to their catalogue to offer in this project.
Funding support
The project offers financial support in two key areas:
- Cost of goods: Covering a percentage of the landed cost for new stock upon proof of order.
- Operational costs: Reimbursing expenses related to marketing, distribution, financing, or after-sales services upon proof of sales and installation.
Tailored technical assistance will include:
- Business and financial guidance.
- Market development and awareness campaigns.
- Technology support and gender inclusion strategies.
To submit a proposal or share with someone who would be a suitable candidate, you can find the full details here.
Key dates
- Expression of intent to apply (encouraged): 20th December 2024
- Proposal submission deadline: 6th January 2025
- Review of proposals: By early February 2025
- Notification of successful applicants: By end of February 2025
- Project implementation: March 2025 – June 2026
For further information, please contact RE4Rtender@practicalaction.or.ke.
Why PURE matters
Access to energy in refugee camps is extremely limited, hindering economic development opportunities for refugee-operated small businesses. In these settings, promoting Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) appliances can help achieve first-time electricity access, boost incomes, enhance energy security and reduce vulnerability.