Empowering Refugees and Host Communities in Rwanda Through Solar-Powered Appliances

The Low Energy Inclusive Appliances programme (LEIA) and Practical Action are spearheading Humanitarian Productive Uses of Renewable Energy in Rwanda (H-PURE Rwanda). This aims to deploy solar-powered appliances to support income generation in refugee camps and host communities in the country.

H-PURE is funded by UK Aid from the British High Commission, Rwanda, via the Transforming Energy Access platform. Energy Saving Trust and Practical Action are leading this project.

The initiative seeks to help refugees strengthen their livelihoods and enhance market opportunities for appliance distributors by providing access to previously unavailable technology. It also aims to lay the groundwork for PURE distributors to continue operating in the camps and host communities after the project ends. The project aims to deploy at least 250 PURE appliances, and support at least 200 micro-enterprises, with a minimum of 50% owned or managed by women. Refugee entrepreneurs will own the PURE assets to generate income, while distributors will sell and install appliances, provide after-sales services such as repair, and potentially provide consumer financing.

As of April 2024, Rwanda hosts 135,397 refugees and asylum seekers. Refugee camps and host communities often lack clean energy access, relying on unsustainable and polluting energy sources. In these settings, PURE appliances can help achieve first-time electricity access, foster economic empowerment, enhance energy security and reduce vulnerability.

By leveraging solar-powered technology and inclusive business models, H-PURE will help ensure that clean renewable energy reaches those who need it most.