Bring Solar Power to Rural Congo

QUARTERLY SUMMARY REPORT ON AWARENESS-RAISING ACTIVITIES ON RURAL ELECTRIFICATION USING SOLAR ENERGY1. INTRODUCTION

Access to electricity is an essential factor in the economic and social development of rural communities. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, many rural areas continue to face limited access to electricity, which affects education, healthcare, security, economic activities, and access to information.

In this context, solar energy represents a suitable solution for many rural areas because it is renewable and allows for the implementation of autonomous or decentralized systems.

It is in this context that awareness-raising activities on rural electrification using solar energy were carried out during the present quarter. These activities aimed to inform communities about the benefits of solar energy, its possible uses, the conditions required for installation, and good practices to ensure the sustainability of the equipment.

This report provides a summary of the activities carried out, the results achieved, the challenges encountered, and recommendations for improving future interventions.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE ACTIVITY2.1. General Objective

To contribute to improving access to clean, sustainable, and affordable energy in rural communities through awareness-raising on the use of solar energy.

2.2. Specific Objectives

The activities aimed to:

• Inform rural populations about the opportunities offered by solar energy;

• Raise community awareness of the benefits of solar electrification;

• Explain the basic operation of photovoltaic solar systems;

• Promote the rational and safe use of solar energy;

• Raise beneficiaries' awareness of the care and maintenance of equipment;

• Encourage communities to participate in local electrification initiatives;

• Identify priority energy needs of households and community infrastructure;

• Promote the use of solar energy in schools, health centers, businesses, and other rural facilities.

3. ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING THE QUARTER3.1. Community Awareness-Raising Sessions

Awareness-raising sessions were organized in the targeted villages and communities. These sessions provided an opportunity to engage with residents on the challenges associated with the lack of electricity and on the solutions that solar systems can provide.

Discussions focused particularly on:

• The benefits of solar energy;

• The different uses of solar energy;

• The conditions required for the installation of a solar system;

• The costs of acquiring and maintaining equipment;

• Safety in the use of electrical installations;

• Maintenance of solar panels and batteries;

• The lifespan of various types of equipment;

• Community management of collective installations.

4. RESULTS ACHIEVED

During the quarter, the activities carried out made it possible to:

• Improve communities' knowledge of solar energy;

• Increase understanding of the benefits of rural electrification;

• Identify the priority energy needs of communities;

• Raise households' awareness of the possibilities offered by small solar systems;

• Inform schools and health centers about the potential uses of solar energy;

• Raise awareness among economic actors about opportunities related to solar energy;

• Promote good practices in the use and maintenance of equipment;

• Strengthen dialogue among communities, local authorities, and stakeholders working in the energy sector.

5. CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

The implementation of the activities faced a number of challenges, particularly based on our field observations:

• Insufficient financial and material resources;

• The remoteness of certain rural communities;

• Difficult road and access conditions in some areas;

• Limited technical knowledge among certain communities;

• The relatively high cost of some solar equipment;

• Limited access to specialized technical services in certain areas;

• Insufficient resources to ensure regular awareness-raising activities.

7. RECOMMENDATIONS

In view of the results achieved and the challenges identified, it is recommended to:

• Continue awareness-raising activities regularly in rural areas;

• Strengthen community education on the use and maintenance of solar systems;

• Encourage the implementation of solar solutions adapted to local needs;

• Facilitate access to solar electrification solutions for vulnerable households;

• Strengthen the training of local technicians in the installation and maintenance of equipment;

• Promote the use of solar energy in schools and health centers;

• Encourage community-based electrification initiatives;

• Strengthen the participation of women and young people in solar energy projects;

• Develop local mechanisms for the maintenance and monitoring of solar installations;

• Mobilize additional technical and financial partners to support rural electrification.

Done in Goma, October 2, 2026

Mr. Jean Pascal MUGARUKA B.

National President of OPDGL