FAQ

TU eMpower Africa is a student-led non-profit organization based at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Since 2018, we co-create sustainable energy and water infrastructure solutions in rural communities across sub-Saharan Africa.

"eMpower" reflects our mission: to empower marginalized communities through meaningful engagement, appropriate technology, market and finance access, and ultimately sustainable solutions - driven by engineering and human connection.

We implement decentralized infrastructure projects such as solar-powered irrigation, storage facilities, small scale biogas systems, insect farming, agro-processing and energy access solutions -especially in rural or off-grid areas.

We work closely with local partners, cooperatives, and communities. All projects are co-developed, adapted to local needs, and supported through capacity-building, pay-back schemes, local ownership, and long-term partnerships.

We collaborate with organizations like RWARRI in Rwanda and academic institutions such as KNUST. Our international network includes TUM and it’s global SEED partners, GIZ, USAID and local government bodies.

You can join as a volunteer, even combined with a Thesis at TUM as well as during an exchange semester in one of the partner universities in the Global South. Check out our [Join Us] section or contact us directly via LinkedIn or Email!

Not at all! While many of our projects are technically focused, we also need support in fundraising, communications, website development, design, research, and project coordination.

Yes. While we’re based at TUM, we welcome students and professionals from other universities or backgrounds who share our mission.

Our projects are supported by public grants, private donations, university funding, and institutional partners. We also actively apply for international development funds.

Yes! You can support us through donations or by connecting us with potential partners or sponsors. Every contribution helps us scale our impact.

Site selection is based on local partner input, community needs, feasibility studies, and long-term collaboration potential. We prioritize impact, inclusivity, and co-creation.

Yes! We strongly believe in diaspora engagement and regularly partner with African-led organizations in Europe and Africa.

Absolutely. We’re always open to meaningful partnerships with like-minded institutions, companies, or NGOs. Reach out to us directly to explore collaboration.

This three-step approach guides how we work with communities. First, we analyze local needs, infrastructure, and context in close collaboration with our partners. Then, we realize tailored solutions - co-developing and implementing sustainable technologies like solar irrigation or water systems. Finally, we ensure long-term success by building local capacity and ownership to sustain the impact beyond the project duration.

This model describes how we manage projects on the ground. We start by implementing the infrastructure together with local partners, followed by a phase where we operate the system jointly and monitor performance. Eventually, we transfer full responsibility to the local community or cooperative -ensuring independence, resilience, and long-term impact.