WeTu

Innovation hub with sustainable impact

WeTu is a social enterprise founded by Siemens Stiftung in Kenya that works on innovative solutions for supplying energy and drinking water in communities on Lake Victoria. In addition, the company is deploying the first-ever electric vehicles specifically developed for rural Africa. When combined with social and ecological business models, these solutions are improving living conditions in the region, creating jobs, and establishing new economic opportunities.

Project

The opportunity of social enterprises for the region

“WeTu” means “ours” in Swahili and is the brand name of the social enterprise WeHub! Lake Victoria Ltd. The core business of the 100% owned subsidiary of Siemens Stiftung is based on renting out solar-powered fishing lanterns, distributing clean drinking water, and providing e-mobility solutions. The objective is to sustainably finance the operational business of the social enterprise, as well as the maintenance and upkeep of the technical facilities, from the revenues generated. Profits remain within the company and serve to further expand and strengthen the associated positive societal impact.

WeTu’s location at Lake Victoria. In the region, only about 35 percent of the population has access to clean drinking water, and 20 percent are connected to a central energy grid. Youth unemployment stands at 20 percent.

Sectors

Sustainable drinking water, energy, and mobility solutions

At the WeTu hubs, raw water from Lake Victoria is purified following the latest standards. A multi-stage process includes ultrafiltration using membrane technology as well as UV disinfection. Depending on demand, up to 4,000 liters of hygienically safe drinking water per hour can be treated at one site. Through an ATM system, the safe drinking water is available around the clock at several dispensing points in the community. Payment is straightforward and completely cashless via Mobile Money, allowing customers to conveniently top up their credits anytime via mobile phone.

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The WeTu Hubs are solar-powered charging stations providing power for sustainable energy solutions. Based on sharing economy, WeTu rents out lanterns and batteries for electric vehicles, takes care of charging and maintaining the products, and thereby operates an environmentally friendly reuse and recycling process. Many fishermen at Lake Victoria use lanterns with lead-acid batteries, which sink to the lake bottom during storms and pose a high environmental burden. In contrast, WeTu offers lanterns with lithium-ion batteries that are robust, long-lasting and buoyant.

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WeTu is testing electric vehicles specifically designed for use in rural areas. These environmentally friendly vehicles are intended to provide a long-term alternative to conventional modes of transportation. As part of a sharing economy model, regional traders, fishermen, farmers, and small businesses can utilize these vehicles to increase their reach. Assembly and maintenance take place in local workshops, thereby creating a regional value chain. The batteries of the electric vehicles are charged with solar energy and can be conveniently swapped at the hubs.

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Company

Innovation hub at Lake Victoria

WeTu is registered as a limited company in Kenya and is defined as a social enterprise according to German fiscal regulations – similar to the legal form of a German gGmbH. Siemens Stiftung is the founder and sole shareholder. With its headquarters in Kisumu, WeTu is active in four counties in Western Kenya. Other locations are in Mbita, Sindo, Nyandiwa, Sori, Ragwe, Honge, Uhanya, Nyachebe, Kamariga, Katito, Kisegi, Wichlum, and Muhuru Bay. The technical center is located in Homa Bay Town.

As part of the EU’s Horizon 2020 / Horizon Europe research framework program, WeTu serves as an innovation partner in three projects: Smart Energy Solutions for Africa (SESA), GIANTS (E-Mobility), and SWARM-E (Innovative Energy Solutions).

Education

WeLearn: For a sustainable future in rural Kenya

To combat the high youth unemployment in the region and attract qualified workers for sustainable professions, Siemens Stiftung, in collaboration with WeTu, provides hands-on training for technical vocations to young people at the company’s location. Through four-week courses, participants learn skills such as operating solar pumps, charging infrastructure, and solar power systems. A special focus is placed on promoting women, who make up 50 percent of the participants. By involving local experts as trainers, a sustainable impact is achieved within the communities.

Impact

By now, over 60 full-time employees are working daily at 16 locations to provide services to the local population in the region. In this process, WeTu works closely with local authorities – with particular consideration for environmental and health issues. To reach more people and scale its impact, WeTu is continuously expanding its offerings in collaboration with numerous local and international partners.

1.17 million

kWh of solar energy produced

5.8 million

tons of CO2 saved with solar lanterns

398,100

kilometers traveled with electric vehicles

12.5 million

liters of safe drinking water produced per year

21,400

people supplied with safe water daily

tons of e-waste
collected

Detailed impact figures you can find in the WeTu Impact Report 2023.

Current pilot projects at the hub

WeCollect collects e-waste from the community, tests and disassembles the devices in a pre-treatment facility before the components are transported to recycling or disposal facilities. Solar products are repaired. By reusing, reducing, and recycling e-waste, valuable resources are recovered.

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WeCool is developing Africa's first net-zero cold room made from local organic materials, which aims to provide sustainable storage solutions for market vendors. Additionally, WeCool produces solar-powered ice blocks and flakes to improve the storage of fish from Lake Victoria and reduce waste.

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At the intersection of sustainability and innovation emerges solar irrigation – an approach aimed at helping farmers increase yields and save costs. During the testing phase of this solar irrigation project, lithium-ion batteries are being used for pumps, enabling the creation of sustainable irrigation systems.

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Partners

Projects at WeTu sites are developed jointly with numerous partner organizations. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the European Commission, and the NGO clasp also fund individual innovation projects.