DRC- Next generation utility Bboxx DRC has appointed Gerard Lokossou as a Non-Executive Board Member to the company’s Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Board, reflecting the rapid growth of operations in the country.

As former CEO of Orange DRC, Gerard has a wealth of experience in driving growth in this market.

Prior to this appointment, he led the distribution for Airtel Africa Group, re-focusing its sales and services network strategy and he has also worked as a Sales and Distribution Director at MTN, and has previously held roles at Nestlé Group and Unilever.

The announcement comes at a time when Bboxx DRC has seen increased momentum in its provision of decentralised Solar Home Systems which has seen the company positively impact the lives of nearly 200,000 people in the DRC through access to clean, reliable and affordable energy.

The clean energy utility has been stepping up its efforts following its Memorandum of Understanding signed with the DRC Government in 20202 to bring clean energy to millions of people, driving the creation of thousands of jobs and helping to combat climate change.

The business has recently also been accelerating access to modern clean cooking services including partnerships with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund, to bring Bboxx’s tried and tested LPG clean cooking services to more people in the country.

In addition, following the Mount Nyiragongo volcano eruption in the Goma region, the company has been working hard to protect the health and safety of customers and employees impacted, and has provided energy to those who needed it.

Commenting on his appointment, Gerard Lokossou said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Bboxx DRC Board at such a transformative time for the business. I look forward to bringing my experience to help contribute to the positive impact they’re making in communities and businesses across the country.”

“Only 4% of the DRC has access to clean cooking facilities and we are passionate about tackling this issue. Gerard’s deep expertise makes him well-placed to aid our expansion in the DRC, as we can continue to use technology to transform even more lives through access to energy”

Laurent Van Houcke – C-founder of Bboxx

Laurent Van Houcke, Co-Founder of Bboxx and Managing Director of Capital Division, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Gerard to our DRC board. Only 4% of the DRC has access to clean cooking facilities and we are passionate about tackling this issue. Gerard’s deep expertise makes him well-placed to aid our expansion in the DRC, as we can continue to use technology to transform even more lives through access to energy.”

Other Bboxx DRC board members are Bboxx Co-Founder and MD of Capital Division, Laurent Van Houcke, Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) Investment Director, Ashwin West and AIIM Investment Manager, John Kimotho.

The latter two have both invested heavily across major power and infrastructure projects on the continent.

Bboxx manufactures, distributes, and finances decentralized solar-powered systems in developing countries and is scaling through forging strategic partnerships and its innovative technology Bboxx Pulse®, a comprehensive management platform using IoT technology.

Through its affordable, reliable, and clean utility provision, Bboxx is bringing people into the digital economy, creating new markets, and enabling economic development in off-grid communities and those living without a reliable grid connection.

So far, Bboxx has deployed more than 500,000 solar home systems and has over 900 staff across nine offices including in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, and Togo, with its head office in the UK and its manufacturing operations in China.

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