To have a positive effect on the livelihoods of people is the core of our mission and the reason why we invest in emerging and underserved markets in the first place. We calculate this indicator based on the number of households or businesses powered multiplied with the average household or business customer size.

Nathalie is a local restaurant owner in the Ngaliema neighborhood of Kinshasa, the bustling capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) with approximately 12 million inhabitants. Although Kinshasa’s estimated ~50% rate of electrification is well above the 9% national average, millions in the city remain unconnected to the grid. Areas that are connected still suffer prolonged blackouts due to lack of maintenance.

Since 2019 Nathalie has been an Altech customer. She first purchased a lamp using Altech’s pay-as-you-go plan, making a small down payment, and completing the rest in daily installments over 3 months. Prior to becoming an Altech customer, Nathalie relied on cheap flashlights to light her restaurant that broke within a month or two and continually needed new batteries. With Altech’s two-year guarantee, Nathalie hasn’t needed to purchase a replacement lamp or batteries since.

The positive results for the business in financial savings and increased numbers of clients were evident to Nathalie. In fact, she was so pleased that she purchased a second Altech lamp. She can now light her dining area, terrace, and kitchen all at the same time. With Altech’s lamps, her restaurant continues to attract customers after dark, during power outages, and without the constant need to purchase flashlights or batteries. This has meant greater revenue for her business and reduced energy expenses. Nathalie is planning to reinvest her increased income back into the restaurant by purchasing one of Altech’s solar home systems soon.