Kampala, 27 July 2018 – The Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB) signed a grant of USD 25,000 to Powah Limited, an energy and technology solutions provider, to support the construction of the “Powah Hub” as part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy for the region. The ceremony took place on the side-lines of the bank’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) taking place in Kampala, Uganda.

The Hub will facilitate access to resources, training, and information for marginalized groups in Uganda. Powah Hub is led by a young woman entrepreneur promoting sustainable energy and reaching out to a community of youth in the country. By providing access to basic skills, the country’s youth will have the opportunity to gain employment options.

“The project is in line with TDB’s new CSR Policy and Strategy, which is part of a wider sustainability framework to achieve the Triple Bottom line of connecting economic, environmental and social impact” said Mary Kamari, Executive, Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at TDB.

TDB is focused on economic growth in Africa which includes job creation, youth and women empowerment, and access to financial services. TDB then identifies and collaborates with partners to deliver maximum impact to increase the reach of its intervention.

The grant from TDB will support the construction and design of the hub itself, solar energy and internet equipment, 6 computers, and printer access. The proposed starting date of the Powah Hub is August 2018, with an official opening to take place later this year.

Powah Ltd provides humanitarian technologies that are aligned to the UN Sustainable Goals within the East African region by designing solar and biogas solutions for better health, education, and livelihoods. Their project, the Powah Hub, is a solar kiosk that provides energy solutions and internet access for off grid villages. These products range from solar phone charging to solar home lighting. The income generated from the hub, will be used to pay running costs such as staff, internet and maintenance.

Energy remains at the core of development in Africa. Globally, there are about 1.2 billion people living without access to the grid. In Africa, population growth still far outpaces grid expansion, hence the number of people living off-grid is still on the rise.