Persistent Energy Capital has intensified its collaboration with Altech, a leading solar retailer in the DRC, to expand access to clean energy through a substantial investment in pay-as-you-go solar solutions.

Target Company Information

Persistent Energy Capital is an impact-driven venture builder focused on developing off-grid energy companies within underserved markets. Recently, it has intensified its collaboration with Altech, a prominent solar retailer operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Founded in 2013 by Washikala Malango and Iongwa Mashangao, Altech has rapidly expanded its market presence, distributing over 140,000 solar products across a network that spans all 12 provinces of the DRC. This initiative addresses a critical issue, as many off-grid households in the DRC are among the world's poorest and lack access to reliable electricity.

In DRC, families often allocate nearly half of their daily earnings on traditional lighting options like candles and kerosene lamps. This expenditure is necessary for basic activities such as lighting homes, charging mobile devices, powering household appliances, and cooking. The market for affordable and sustainable energy solutions in this region is vast, underscoring the importance of companies like Altech in promoting accessible energy alternatives.

Industry Overview in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The energy landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains characterized by severe deficiencies in electrical power availability, particularly in rural areas where the electricity grid is non-existent or highly unreliable. Approximately