Washikala Malango is Transforming Africa’s Energy Future at Altech Group

Born in Baraka, South Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Malango’s early life was disrupted by the civil war, forcing him and his family to flee to a refugee camp in Tanzania.

Despite the challenges, his potential was recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which awarded him a scholarship to the University of Dar es Salaam.

There, he earned a Master’s degree in Development Studies, laying the foundation for his future endeavors .

In 2013, driven by a desire to address the energy deficit in the DRC, where approximately 90% of the population lacks access to electricity, Malango co-founded Altech Group with his childhood friend, Iongwa Mashangao.

Starting with the sale of solar-powered lanterns, they introduced a pay-as-you-go model that allowed households to access clean energy without significant upfront costs.

This approach was particularly effective in reaching off-grid and under-electrified communities.

Under Malango’s leadership, Altech has expanded its operations across 23 of the DRC’s 26 provinces.
The company has sold over 350,000 solar products, impacting the lives of more than 1.7 million people.

Beyond lighting, Altech has diversified its offerings to include clean cookstoves and electric motorcycles, further addressing the energy and transportation needs of Congolese communities. 

Recognizing the importance of financial support in scaling their operations, Altech secured $18 million in debt financing and grants from institutions like the Energy Entrepreneurs Growth Fund (EEGF), Triple Jump, and Rabobank.

This funding has enabled the company to open over 30 new sales outlets in rural areas and distribute 180,000 solar products, aiming to reach approximately 900,000 individuals.

Malango’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the Financial Times ranked Altech as the fourth fastest-growing African startup, highlighting its significant impact on the continent’s clean energy landscape.

He is also a Mandela Washington Fellow and has participated in initiatives like the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

Through Altech, Malango continues to drive sustainable development in Africa, demonstrating how innovative solutions and resilient leadership can address some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.