At R3, we believe:
The Challenge is the Solution.

Meet Our Team

  • Benitha Umutoniwase

    CSI Artisan Data Manager

  • Alice Tuyishime

    CSI Artisan Data Manager

  • Naomi Nyiranshimiryayo

    CSI Artisan Data Manager

  • Tumuvite Kaure

    Certified Kiln Master

  • Eloge Tanguy Shungu

    CSI Artisan Data Manager

  • Hirwa Olivier

    CSI Artisan Data Manager

  • Nshimiryo Josue Bucyana

    CSI Artisan Data Manager

  • Harerimana Annicet

    CSI Artisan Data Manager

Solar Energy Team

  • Riaan Kastoor

    Chief Solar Technician

  • Silvanus Shafiishuna

    Solar Technician

Our Solar team was trained by Remote Energy, a team of electricians, educators, and innovators in the PV industry who share a vision to empower marginalized communities worldwide through solar energy and education. They believe access to reliable renewable energy is essential for advancing opportunity and equity, and their multilingual international team has supported technicians, students, and leaders in over 50 countries to help make that vision real.  

AI-Proof sustainable dignified jobs

The R3 RE team and ownership group is composed entirely of Sub-Saharan Africans, including Namibians and individuals from countries such as the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Angola. R3 actively supports the Osire Refugee Settlement community.

Our Namibian team members are housed on the farm in accommodations that, along with their wage compensation, meet or exceed the rigorous standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

We are also proud to be developing one of the most sustainability-focused villages in Southern Africa—our Carbon Village.

Through these efforts, our presence directly enhances the social and economic well-being of our team members and surrounding communities, all while upholding strong conservation values.

R3: 100% Namibian Owned

A (Ritter) Family Business.

R3 Biochar is wholly owned by the Ritter Family, whose commitment to stewardship and conservation is now in its fifth generation. Over the years, the Ritters have been pioneers in sustainable practices, including rangeland conservation, renewable solar energy , and wildlife habitat restoration. Their efforts have been recognized with several awards, notably for their work with the Cheetah Conservation Fund.

While primarily a cattle operation, the family has also led the way in establishing row crops in the region, cultivating onions, paprika, saffron, and more. The farm irrigates their crops utilizing over 5 megawatts of solar each day. Always innovating, the Ritter Family established an Olive Tree Orchard and was awarded the Best Organic Olive Oil in the Southern Hemisphere by the New York International Olive Oil Competition. 

Biochar is a natural fit for the Ritter Family, enabling them to create meaningful jobs that uplift the community, restore Namibia’s rangeland, and improve the health of native soils. 

Commitment to Osire

Learn how R3 supports refugee resilience and community development—discover the story of Osire Refugee Settlement and our impactful work there on the "Osire Refugee Settlement" page.