RS Group Partners with SolarAid to Deliver Safe Solar Lighting to 150,000 People Across Africa
RS Group, a global provider of industrial products and service solutions, has announced a new three-year partnership with international development charity SolarAid to expand access to clean and safe solar lighting in rural Africa.
Through the collaboration, the two organisations aim to raise $1.17 million (£1 million) to provide solar lights to 150,000 people living in off-grid communities across the continent. The initiative will help reduce reliance on kerosene, candles, and other unsafe energy sources while supporting the transition to renewable energy.
The partnership forms a key pillar of RS Group’s 2030 ESG action plan and reflects its mission to “make amazing happen for a brighter world.” Funding will come from a mix of corporate donations, matched employee contributions, RS PRO product donations, and gifts in kind.
According to SolarAid, the introduction of a single solar light can reduce household spending on energy by up to 95%, while cutting carbon emissions and providing children with a safe way to study after dark. Replacing kerosene lamps and paraffin candles, which emit large amounts of CO₂, also supports climate goals and cleaner air for families.
RS Group and SolarAid share a common commitment to renewable energy and sustainable innovation. RS will contribute its technical expertise to SolarAid’s repair and maintenance programs, helping build a circular solar economy that promotes long-term resilience in off-grid areas.
RS Group employees will also play a direct role in the initiative through volunteering, fundraising, and awareness drives. Each employee receives two annual volunteering days, and the company aims for at least half of its global workforce to dedicate this time to community and SolarAid projects.
The partnership draws inspiration from SolarAid’s recent success in Kasakula, Malawi, where on August 26, 2025, every household, school, and health clinic gained solar access under the Light a Village initiative.
“Access to clean, safe solar lighting is a powerful catalyst for education, safety, and opportunity,” said Andrea Barrett, Chief Sustainability Officer at RS Group. “The success in Kasakula shows that universal energy access is not only achievable but scalable.”
John Keane, CEO of SolarAid, echoed the optimism “From the very start, our shared purpose and alignment have been clear. Together, we can bring clean, safe lighting and power to the hardest-to-reach communities and make amazing happen for a brighter world.”
The SolarAid partnership builds on RS Group’s history of impactful collaborations, including its previous campaign with The Washing Machine Project, which raised nearly $1.17 million (£1 million) since 2020. By matching employee donations and fostering global engagement, RS Group hopes to create a lasting movement of innovation and shared purpose in the fight against energy poverty.
Go to ECONEWS.co.ke for more sustainability news from the African continent.
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