How we’re catalysing enterprise, decent work and economic growth
As part of our #UnlockingOneMillion campaign, this week we are looking at how access to energy is truly catalysing enterprise and unlocking economic growth at scale.
As we celebrate our 10 year anniversary, we want to shine a light on the over 1 million people we have impacted to date through providing access to clean, reliable and affordable energy and our capable, passionate and empowered employees who have put this mission into action.
Together, we are unlocking potential and unleashing economic development worldwide. In doing so, we are helping to meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 8 – promoting decent work and economic growth.
We are working with major partners to achieve this and just recently, we partnered with the Democratic Republic of Congo government, where we’re aiming to bring electricity to 10 million citizens. Access to electricity in the country will trigger wider economic benefits and as a result of this partnership, will drive the creation of 100,000 jobs in the DRC.
For our customers, access to energy acts as a springboard for many other activities. Electricity brings people into the digital economy and fosters financial inclusion. Bboxx has enabled 29,495 people to support an enterprise as a result of using our energy products and services. Through our solar home systems and appliances, we have generated entrepreneurship within hard to reach communities who have otherwise been overlooked. In fact, $68,547,016 additional income has been generated as a result of Bboxx’s products.
Recent research amongst our customers in Rwanda shows that 75% of those using their Bboxx solar home system in their business report seeing their business evolving and growing positively. They noted how they could increase their operating hours, make significant savings on their energy expenditure, attract new customers and achieve additional revenue. It is encouraging to see this entrepreneurial spirit. Restaurants, shops and salons are all thriving thanks to access to energy.
We spoke to Gisele Nabintu Muyoboke, a Bboxx customer in the DRC, who said: “Since becoming a Bboxx customer, everything is easier. I don’t have to worry anymore or wait for electricity. It has been a game changer for my business and my kitchen is always ready to be used. The customers can arrive and eat a warm dish at any time.”
And we wouldn’t be able to achieve what we’ve accomplished these last 10 years without our fantastic employees. We employ over 800 people globally across Africa, in the UK and China. We have a training academy in Kigali, Rwanda and we are proud to say that in 2017 Bboxx’s Rwanda business was the first company in the country to be officially awarded the globally recognised ‘Great Place to Work’ certification.
10 years on, we are as just as passionate as we have ever been to unlock potential through access to energy and drive development across the globe. We are by no means done yet and we have bold ambitions for the next 10 years and beyond for our employees, customers and partners. Please follow our campaign to learn more about our work.
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