RDG Collective
Zambia’s Solar Surge: delivering energy access where it’s needed most
- Company
- Energy
- Sub-Saharan Africa H2R
- 2024
- Active
The challenge
Zambia faces persistently low electricity access, especially in rural areas where most households remain off-grid. The national grid—reliant on hydropower—is increasingly strained by climate change. For many families, the upfront cost of solar products is simply unaffordable, limiting access to the energy tools needed for daily life, productivity, and resilience.
The innovation
RDG Collective delivers solar home systems and productive-use appliances—like fridges, water pumps, and lights—through a pay-as-you-go model that prioritizes affordability. Since 2019, RDG has built a nationwide agent network, expanded into eight provinces ( including two of the hardest to serve), and introduced over 100,000 people to clean, reliable energy — many for the first time.
The impact
In partnership with BioLite and supported by Acumen’s Hardest-to-Reach initiative, RDG secured a $1.25M impact-indexed loan to scale operations. The innovation loan rewards progress on energy access and affordability. Over three years, it’s expected to reach nearly 73,000 people, including 60,000 first-time electricity users, and equip 180 small businesses with clean power. The initiative also aims to reduce emissions by at least 7,000 tons of CO₂, while catalyzing economic growth across underserved communities. RDG continues to grow as one of Zambia’s leading solar distributors.