897k consumers are expected to benefit. The percentage of first-time users and consumers who live below the international poverty line will vary by country.

SDG assessment
7.1 + 7.2 – Access to affordable and reliable renewable energy and LPG.
13 – Climate change mitigation.

Avoid greenhouse gas emissions through the displacement of non-traditional fuels.

Challenge: Electricity access remains low in DRC (19%), Burkina Faso (19%) and Rwanda (47%). While the solar home systems market is more proven in Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda, there are very few market players in DRC, Togo, and Burkina Faso.

Channel: Bboxx’s successful entry and expansion into DRC, Togo and Burkina Faso would provide confidence to other SHS companies (and their investors) to enter the market.

Outcome: Increase in the number of SHS providers to lower-income groups in DRC, Togo, and Burkina Faso, leading to improved energy access for end users.

Transition: Risk is anticipated to be low for this project given the solar home systems represent >85% of the business. LPG cooking solutions represent <15% of the business.

Physical: Decentralised renewable energy systems can make power supply more resilient for consumers and businesses in the event of extreme weather events that could impact grid supply.

BBbox has 1k employees and over 30% are women. This percentage will be monitored yearly to track progress and we will work with the company to maintain and increase this percentage through various initiatives drawing on country-specific and sectoral evidence (see TA below).

TA will provide $43k to finance gender empowerment training targeted at female sales enabling them to become installers and technicians.

As part of the due diligence process, 7 HSES enhancement opportunities were identified which are now reflected in the project Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP).