I am Aurélio Costa, the founder of Algomassa Energia, a startup that offers affordable solar kits to low-income people, aiming to reduce energy poverty and provide access to clean energy. My work is focused on creating social and environmental impact, working with young entrepreneurs and resellers to expand our reach and promote sustainable solutions.
The UN CC:e-Learn courses were fundamental for me. They marked the beginning of everything, because through this learning I was able to acquire the knowledge I needed to find my company and seek funding.”
Thanks to what I learned; I was able to obtain funding from the Dutch Embassy in Mozambique. In addition, I signed up for the courses because I am also a student of environmental engineering and was looking to improve and expand my knowledge in this vital area. I am committed to continuing to apply the knowledge gained through these courses to inform our business strategies and promote innovative solutions that benefit the most vulnerable communities while protecting our planet.
My journey towards sustainability began when I decided to study Environmental Engineering. I wanted not only to broaden my knowledge in this area, but also to turn my interest into concrete actions that would benefit people and the planet. That’s how Algumassa Energia came about: as a direct response to the need for access to clean energy in underprivileged communities. The courses offered by UN CC:e-Learn played a crucial role in this process. They empowered me with fundamental knowledge about climate change, gender equality and environmental justice.
With these (learning) tools, I was able to shape not just a company, but a project with purpose, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
Learning about climate change wasn’t just an educational experience for me. It was a catalyst for my determination to tackle the climate crisis directly and effectively. Each course gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges we face and the possible solutions. Since then, Algumassa Energia has grown and positively impacted the lives of many people.
We have developed and delivered 300 solar kits to the population mainly in the Zambezia and Nampula areas of Mozambique. More than 100 families have already benefited from our project, using the solar kits as alternative energy sources. This has enabled these communities to improve activities such as charging phones and lighting their homes.
We expanded our operations and developed even more ambitious projects, such as biogas for rural communities. In addition, we have been recognized internationally, participating in the Waze Prize on circular economy, which has increased our visibility and brought us new opportunities.
I firmly believe that education and action are the keys to tackling global climate challenges.”
My journey with Algumassa Energia is proof that small initiatives can have a big impact. I am determined to continue advancing this mission and inspire others to join us in this important movement for the environment and vulnerable communities.
Start your learning journey:
Join Aurélio and hundreds of students and start learning today:
- How to prevent e-waste?
- Gender Equality and Human Rights in Climate Action and Renewable Energy
- An Introduction to Climate Change and Human Rights
*The views expressed in this story are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the United Nations or any of its affiliated organizations.