RS Group partners SolarAid to light up rural Africa

RS Group plc has entered a three-year partnership with SolarAid to raise $1.2 million and deliver clean, safe solar lights to about 150,000 people living in off-grid communities across Africa. 

The collaboration supports the company’s 2030 ESG action plan and reflects a shared effort to expand access to reliable lighting in areas where families still depend on kerosene, candles and battery torches. 

The partners say the effort will focus on practical support, including corporate donations, matched funding, product contributions from RS PRO and employee-led fundraising.

The aim is to help SolarAid build local solar businesses while lowering household energy costs and reducing health risks linked to indoor smoke. 

Access to a single solar light can cut energy spending by up to 95 percent and allow children to study after sunset in safer conditions, while also reducing carbon emissions.

Employee involvement at the center 

Employees will play a hands-on role through volunteering, fundraising and technical support.

Planned activities include improving SolarAid’s Repair App to help extend the life of solar lights and visiting supported communities in Malawi and Zambia to host live demonstrations. 

Staff will also take part in the company’s “Active for Change” fundraising challenge.

Workers are entitled to two volunteering days each year, and RS Group is aiming for half of its workforce to take part in projects that directly support SolarAid’s work.

Early results show what is possible 

One example is SolarAid’s Light a Village program in Kasakula, where every household, school and clinic gained access to solar lighting by August 2025.

The project is being used as a model for similar efforts across the region. 

Andrea Barrett, chief sustainability officer at RS Group, said access to safe lighting can support education, improve safety and open new opportunities for families.

She said the Kasakula project shows that universal energy access can be achieved with steady support and local engagement. 

John Keane, CEO of SolarAid, said the partnership brings together shared values and a common goal of reaching remote communities with clean light and power.

Building on past efforts 

The new initiative builds on RS Group’s earlier charitable work, including raising nearly $1.2 million for The Washing Machine Project since 2020.

Under the new agreement, donations from employees will be matched by the company to expand the reach and impact of the program.