The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the USA government’s development finance institution, has committed US$10mn to support the introduction of off-grid solar kits and appliances in Chad
OPIC’s loan will help FinLux Ellen Sarl distribute solar kits and appliances to individuals, schools, health clinics and small businesses in Chad, providing them with an affordable source of reliable electricity.
The project is the 33rd OPIC has committed under the USA Power Africa initiative and the first time OPIC has ever committed financing to a project in Chad, one of the poorest countries in the world. Last year, Chad ranked 186 out of 189 on the Human Development Index.
“OPIC is proud of its work supporting investment in the places where it is needed most – in this case bringing development finance to an electricity project in Chad,” said David Bohigian, acting president and CEO of OPIC. “Expanding access to electricity is one of the most effective ways to empower people, improve their quality of life and foster economic growth.”
Approximately 40 per cent of Chad’s 15mn people live below the national poverty line and only four per cent has regular access to electricity. In rural areas, electricity is particularly scarce, with only about one per cent of the population having access.
The solar kits and appliances that FinLux is distributing in Chad are based on a battery produced in New York State and adapted for rural electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa. Because women comprise half of the company’s workforce, the project also advances OPIC’s 2X Women’s initiative.
