Open Energy Labs

22/07/2025

We recently completed and presented a report on our pilot initiative in the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement in Northern Uganda, home to over 210,000 refugees, 85% of whom are women and children who fled South Sudan in 2016.

Open Energy Labs was proud to have been part of the team behind this work. The pilot demonstrated the real potential for a community-driven, circular economy approach to e-waste management.

Led by the IOM - UN Migration, and in partnership with BRIGHT Products, AceleAfrica, Sunlite, WEEE Centre, and Strathmore University, we tested sustainable models where community-led business enterprises safely repaired and recycled electronic products turning waste into opportunity and recovering valuable raw materials. And of course, while on the ground, we kicked off an Energy Makers Academy training with 20 students.

The project was funded by Innovation Norway, with Mercy Corps as an implementing partner and with the full support of the Government of Uganda through the Office of the Prime Minister.

The goal was to build scalable systems that not only tackled e-waste responsibly but also created local jobs and income streams for displaced communities.

We were excited about the lessons learned and looked forward to collaborating with more partners to scale this approach to other settlements.
If you worked on similar circular economy or community resilience projects, let’s connect!

10/03/2025

Sankalp Forum – A Hub of Innovation & Collaboration!

One of the few events where entrepreneurs and investors truly connect! Had the opportunity to engage with incredible young minds in the energy and education sectors (of course!) and, more importantly, with women-driven initiatives through Project Star-Light by Emmanuel Igbinovia at Orb Connect.

Government partnerships are key, and working alongside Peter Gitau was inspiring—so many ideas, so much potential! We also proudly showcased Energy Makers Academy.

A huge thank you to Energy Catalyst (an Innovate UK programme), Carbon Trust, Innovate UK, for their continued support!

And Our amazing project partners Strathmore University Strathmore Energy Research Centre University of Cape Town fam studio

Shoutout to the Sankalp team – Margaret Nakunza and the gang – for making it all happen!

01/11/2024

Empowering Future Innovators in Kibera & Soweto, Kenya!
Africa’s youth are resilient, vibrant, and innovative! Students from Kibera and Soweto have just earned their certificates in Solar Charge Controller Technology, gaining skills in building, designing, and maintaining renewable energy systems with our Energy Makers Academy Kit. Energy Makers Academy

This journey is all about nurturing young professionals in underserved communities! We also hosted a Repair Workshop at Strathmore, where students honed their troubleshooting skills on solar home systems. This extra hands-on experience is boosting their confidence to make a difference in their communities—supporting sustainability and creating new income opportunities.

An amazing journey with our partners : Strathmore University Strathmore Energy Research Centre University of Cape Town fam studio

Innovate UK The Carbon Trust Alliance for Rural Electrification

04/09/2024

Our government stakeholder engagement for the Star-Light project in Zambia has begun. Our initial engagement with the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development-Zambia, provided us with crucial insights into the current state of street lighting in Lusaka. This engagement marks a significant step towards enhancing urban safety and security within the city.

Orb Connect Emmanuel Igbinovia Emmanuel Mwansa Samson Sahmland-Bowling

Innovate UK The Carbon Trust Alliance for Rural Electrification

27/08/2024

Star-Light: Pioneering Smart Street Lighting for the Safety and Security of Women and Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa.

We're excited to announce that Orb Connect is partnering with Open Energy Labs to create Star-Light, a groundbreaking solar-powered street lighting solution set to kick off in Zambia. This innovative system is designed to conserve energy, reduce costs for local councils, and enhance safety by addressing the challenges of crime and gender-based violence in poorly lit areas.

Our collaboration unites experts in street lighting, renewable energy, and technical training, with a strong commitment to empowering women and girls in underserved communities.

We are supported by IUK, Carbon Trust

Emmanuel Igbinovia Emmanuel Mwansa Samson Sahmland-Bowling Kofi Atuah Tony Tiyou Alliance for Rural Electrification

20/08/2024

During our recent trip to Kenya, we connected with incredible communities and organizations passionate about solar energy. We conducted a successful training workshop at Strathmore University with enthusiastic youth participants from Kibera and Soweto working on the Energy Makers Academy Kit.

Our journey included visits to several key organizations, Nkoilale Primary School in Masaai Land, Maasai Mara Technical and Vocational College, International Rescue Committee CBO Mulot- Community Based Organisation WEEE Centre - Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

These engagements highlighted the immense potential for hands-on, accessible, and affordable solar training programs tailored to community needs. We’re excited about the future and look forward to building brighter, greener tomorrows with our Kenyan partners!

University of Cape Town Strathmore Energy Research Centre Strathmore University Innovate UK The Carbon Trust Tony Tiyou Kofi Atuah Human Needs Project Kenya 🇰🇪 Alliance for Rural Electrification Peter Gitau Renewables in Africa - RiA

16/08/2024

We visited Moyo Village in Pemba, Southern Province, Zambia, to see how rural communities are benefiting from solar mini-grids built, managed, and maintained by the Rural Electrification Authority. We discovered their aspirations for growth and their vision for an even brighter future. Hearing firsthand how electricity is transforming lives was deeply inspiring, and we gained valuable insights into the roles of both government and the private sector. The energy and optimism from our interactions were truly remarkable!

14/05/2024

Hands-on solutions in the renewable energy sector are the key to driving development and sparking innovation! 🔧⚡

28/02/2024

Exciting update! We've recently completed our training with Kigali Independent University - ULK , supported by Alliance for Rural Electrification and CORE Initiative. We're dedicated to unlocking potential through hands-on training in electronic design and software development. Our program empowers students to become catalysts for renewable energy innovation by bridging theory with practice. With a focus on practical skills, we transform theoretical knowledge into real-world solutions, including the assembly of functional solar home systems using our comprehensive hardware kit. Beyond education, we're actively lighting up communities lacking traditional power infrastructure through student-built solar setups. By enriching STEM education, we expose students to cutting-edge technology, nurturing a holistic understanding of its transformative potential. Join us in shaping a brighter, greener future together!



Energy 4 Impact Innovate UK Energy Catalyst (an Innovate UK programme) Renewables in Africa - RiA

19/02/2024

06/02/2024

Exciting news from Arusha, Tanzania! 🇹🇿 EMA Training is currently underway in collaboration with our esteemed partner, Arusha Science.

Our program is empowering participants with invaluable skills, hands-on experience, and fostering STEM education! This initiative perfectly aligns with global trends in renewable energy and education, presenting a massive market opportunity.

Technical training is fundamental for ensuring safety, enhancing performance, maintaining compliance, reducing costs, generating employment, and driving growth in the renewable energy sector.

With a focus on proper installation and maintenance of solar systems, we're paving the way for safety, efficiency, longevity, and environmental responsibility.



Energy 4 Impact Transforming Energy Access Energy Catalyst (an Innovate UK programme) Renewables in Africa - RiA Tony Tiyou Alliance for Rural Electrification

25/01/2024

Exciting times in Kigali, Rwanda, as the Energy Makers Academy training kicks off! 🌍💡 Dive into hands-on learning about renewable energy systems, where EMA empowers students with the tools and knowledge to design and maintain sustainable solutions. 🌱 Our commitment extends beyond training—it's about building a skilled workforce for a brighter, renewable energy future! 🚀

Impeccable delivery Tony Tiyou Oluoch Were



We are supported by ARE Alliance for Rural Electrification, CORE Initiative, Renewables in Africa - RiA