14/07/2025
Credits to the knowledge centre
Vital Nzaka, a Congolese inventor and innovator, has made headlines for developing a groundbreaking way to generate electricity using plants, specifically, cassava (manioc), a staple crop in many African countries.
Known locally as Vital Vitium, he began this project to find a sustainable, affordable energy source for communities that lack reliable access to electricity.
His invention centers on a bio-battery, built using simple, locally available materials like cassava starch, lemon-based compounds, salt, and water. These components work together as an electrolyte solution to create a charge when connected with electrodes.
Nzaka’s battery system can generate around 16 to 21 volts of direct current (DC), which is then converted into 220 volts of alternating current (AC) using a basic inverter, enough to power household appliances such as LED lights, radios, fans, and even televisions.
The power output can last up to 12 hours or more, and he claims that with certain setups, it can function for up to two weeks without a recharge. What makes this project especially powerful is its potential to provide eco-friendly, off-grid electricity to rural or underserved areas that rely heavily on expensive or polluting fuel sources.
Beyond its technical value, Nzaka’s work also carries a strong message of self-reliance, sustainability, and innovation from within the African continent. His success proves that with creativity and purpose, transformative technologies can emerge from local challenges. Nzaka continues to refine his invention and hopes to scale it for broader use across Congo and other parts of Africa.
