Investing in solar energy in Africa – Why we do what we do

Today, we would like to tell you a little more about our recent trip to Cameroon. This road trip once again clearly demonstrated to us why we do what we do—and why we are convinced that there could hardly be a more meaningful business activity than investing in solar energy in Africa.

The entire EWIA team has many years of experience in Africa. We are fascinated by the charm of this continent and are, of course, also aware of the challenges that can push Central Europeans to their limits. In this sense, Cameroon is “Africa at its best” – including disastrous road conditions and hours of driving for just a few kilometers.

We entered the Cameroonian market in the spring of last year with the acquisition of SunErgy. We met some of our local employees in person for the first time on this trip. I asked Christabelle, one of our cashiers, if she enjoyed working for our company. Her answer: “I love it. It changed my life.” She was well educated, but had no job and therefore no real prospects. Marriage and hope were her only options.

It goes without saying that we are creating completely new realities of life by electrifying villages. The improvements start with healthcare and extend to access to education. You can find out what we have achieved with our team on site in a short period of time in the latest blog post.

"For me, the fate of Africa determines the humanity of our world."

This quote comes from Horst Köhler, the recently deceased former German president. In his inaugural speech to the Bundestag in 2004, he already emphasized the importance of Europe's relationship with Africa. In a speech in 2017, shortly after Donald Trump took office, he said:

"I have no doubt whatsoever: Africa has all the potential it needs for positive development. And the current global upheavals could be an opportunity for Africa to emerge from its niche as the underdog. If African leaders now take their responsibilities seriously and if Europe supports this self-reliance with a new sense of urgency—a sense of urgency that does justice to the historic task at hand—then Africa can become more than just a new pole of global economic growth. The 21st century could even become an African-European century, a truly new economic and political partnership that benefits the planet as a whole."

This statement has lost none of its relevance. As Executive Director (1990–1993) and later Managing Director of the IMF (2000–2004), Köhler gained deep insight into the economic reality of many African countries. He recognized both the structural challenges and the untapped potential. His statement would make an excellent preamble to a future constitution for EWIA.

Köhler was convinced that humanity, justice, and development are inextricably linked—and that the moral maturity of the world is reflected in its treatment of Africa. He was one of the few Western heads of state who viewed Africa not through the lens of crises, but of opportunities, dignity, and partnership.

Why are we here?

You may have read this question here before—and of course, we ask ourselves the same thing regularly. After all, there are certainly more comfortable tasks than driving over bumpy roads in Cameroon in the pouring rain.

But while the world is undergoing radical change in many areas, there is a real sense of optimism in many parts of Africa. That is inspiring—and motivating. We couldn't imagine a better place to do business. Where else can such a big impact be achieved with relatively modest resources – economically, ecologically, and socially?

We find our work – and therefore also your and our joint investments – deeply meaningful.