In the heart of eastern Congo’s conflict zone, the Ndosho neighborhood of Goma is experiencing a quiet transformation powered by the sun.

Once a displacement camp with just 3% electricity access, Ndosho now thrives under a 1.3-megawatt solar mini-grid installed by Nuru, a Congolese-American energy company whose name means “light” in Swahili.

The solar grid has become a lifeline for local artisans and small businesses, replacing unreliable diesel generators and reducing energy costs.

“When the sun is out, we work from morning to night without any problems,” said Jacques Muhindo, a local carpenter.

Despite the ongoing insecurity—including stray gunfire from clashes with M23 rebels that occasionally damages panels—residents have rallied to protect the infrastructure.

“The community understands that these solar panels were set up for their own good,” said Alain Byamungu Chiruza, Nuru’s senior director of business development.

The project is backed by global investors, including the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation, and is part of Nuru’s broader mission to bring solar power to 10 million Congolese by 2030.

The company has already expanded to Faradje, Tadu, and Beni, and has interconnected the Goma grid with Virunga National Park’s hydropower system to boost resilience.

Streetlights now illuminate once-dangerous alleys, and new businesses—from grain mills to phone-charging kiosks—are emerging.

“It’s been overwhelming how effective this has been,” said Jonathan Shaw, Nuru’s CEO. “Just seeing what this meant to people… the sense of their dignity and value”.

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