In Rwanda's most remote communities, access to solar energy is quietly transforming lives. The Shine Together Impact Report 2025 documents how UNDP Rwanda, in partnership with the Government of Rwanda, connected off-grid households, many led by women, to reliable solar energy across six districts, including Gakenke, Gicumbi, Ngoma, Huye, Nyamagabe, and Nyaruguru.
The initiative installed 1,200 standalone solar systems, electrified 36 cell offices, powered five health posts, and created over 160 decent jobs. Beyond infrastructure, Shine Together strengthened public service delivery, expanded digital access through Irembo and Mobile Money services, and improved healthcare at the grassroots level.
A standout feature of the campaign was its use of drama and storytelling, Musekeweya, Rwanda's most widely listened-to behaviour change drama, reaching an estimated 76–85% of Rwandans weekly and generating over 239,000 YouTube views.
This report captures the voices of the women, youth, nurses, and entrepreneurs whose lives changed when the lights came on.