MGM Group CSR: Solar Power for Rural Communities

MGM Group is proud to announce the completion of the second phase of its "Light Up Rural Africa" corporate social responsibility initiative, bringing reliable solar electricity to 12 off-grid communities across Kenya and Tanzania. The program, which began in 2022, has now impacted over 15,000 people, providing them with clean energy for lighting, phone charging, and small business activities for the first time.

The Challenge

Over 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity. In rural Kenya and Tanzania, the electrification rate is below 30%, meaning the majority of families rely on kerosene lamps for lighting — expensive, hazardous, and a significant source of indoor air pollution. Children cannot study after dark, health clinics cannot refrigerate vaccines, and small businesses are limited to daylight hours.

Our Approach

Rather than simply donating equipment, MGM Group designed a sustainable model that combines technology with community ownership:

• Community Solar Hubs — Each village receives a 5-10 kW solar system with battery storage, installed at a central community building (school, health clinic, or community center)
• Local Training — Two community members per village are trained in basic system operation and maintenance, creating local jobs and ensuring sustainability
• Revenue Model — Small fees for phone charging and battery rental create a maintenance fund, ensuring the system is financially self-sustaining after installation
• MGM Products — All solar panels, mounting structures, and battery systems are MGM Energy products, field-tested in real African conditions

Impact So Far

After two phases of implementation, the results speak for themselves:

• 12 communities now have reliable electricity across Kisumu, Kitui, and Makueni counties in Kenya, and Dodoma and Morogoro regions in Tanzania
• 15,200+ people with access to clean energy
• 6 schools can now offer evening study sessions, with student pass rates improving by an average of 18%
• 3 health clinics can refrigerate vaccines and operate after dark
• 45 small businesses have started or expanded due to the availability of electricity
• Zero kerosene — All participating households have eliminated kerosene lamp use, improving health and saving money

Voices from the Community

"Before the solar hub, our children could not read after sunset. Now they study under proper lights and their grades have improved. We also charge our phones here instead of walking 15 km to the nearest town. This has changed our village."

— Grace Wanjiku, Community Leader, Kitui County, Kenya

Looking Forward

Phase 3, scheduled for Q3 2024, will expand the program to 8 additional communities in Uganda and Ethiopia. MGM Group is also partnering with two international NGOs to scale the model to other regions, with the long-term goal of reaching 50,000 people by 2026. The company is allocating 1% of its annual Energy division revenue to fund the program, ensuring its continuity and growth.