Octopus Energy has made a strategic investment into MOPO (Mobile Power).
The long-term partnership deal with the trailblazing Sheffield CleanTech will catalyse Sub-Saharan Africa’s solar energy revolution, according to the companies.
MOPO, founded in 2013, supplies green energy to businesses and individuals in the region suffering from unstable or zero grid access. Its solar-powered batteries, rented on a pay-per-use basis, replace expensive, polluting generators with a clean, more affordable alternative.
Since launching in 2017, MOPO has delivered more than 25m battery rentals across six countries including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and Liberia, powering homes and small businesses.
It offers two battery sizes: the compact MOPO50, designed for personal use like phone charging and lighting, and the larger MOPOMax, capable of running fridges, cooking equipment, sewing machines and e-motorbikes.
MOPO says its solar-powered hubs are installed and run by local technicians and agents, creating thousands of green jobs for local communities. It now has 1,200 employees and year-on-year revenue growth of 300%.
“MOPO has mastered how to provide affordable, green power to communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, which suffer from unstable or no access to the grid,” said Greg Jackson, founder and CEO of Octopus Energy Group.
“By harnessing the power of the sun, Octopus and MOPO can make a big leap forward in accelerating electrification in the region – leapfrogging dirty fossil fuels, and bringing clean, reliable power to the communities that need it the most.”
Chris Longbottom, CEO of MOPO, said: “At MOPO, we are transforming Africa’s energy landscape by providing affordable access to sustainable electricity in areas with poor energy infrastructure.
“This funding and the strategic partnership will enable us to accelerate the scaling of our business in a market where the power supply deficit is particularly acute. With more than 600 million people across the continent lacking reliable grid infrastructure, the opportunity is vast – something we believe our new shareholders fully recognise.”
Ibrahim Bangura, a MOPO customer in Sierra Leone, said: “Before MOPO, my family struggled with unreliable energy and high costs. Now, we have consistent, affordable power that helps my children study after dark, and I can run my business more reliably. MOPO has changed my life.”