MOPO, a UK-based technology firm specializing in sustainable energy solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. This collaboration aims to bolster MOPO’s efforts to enhance energy access across sub-Saharan Africa, where the company has already made significant strides in providing affordable and reliable clean energy.

The partnership with IFC adds to MOPO’s existing alliances with Octopus Energy, Norfund, and British International Investment, further solidifying its network of support. The collaboration is particularly focused on scaling MOPO’s innovative pay-per-use battery rental system, which has already facilitated over 32 million battery rentals in countries including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Chad, and Uganda.

MOPO’s business model revolves around its “energy-as-a-service” approach, which allows users to rent batteries from solar-powered charging hubs managed by local agents. This model is designed to simplify access to clean energy, making it as straightforward as purchasing fuel. The company offers different battery options tailored to various energy needs, including the MOPO50 for basic household use and the MOPOMax, which provides sufficient power to replace traditional petrol generators.

The partnership with IFC is expected to provide strategic advisory services that will assist MOPO in expanding its market reach within sub-Saharan Africa. This is particularly crucial in regions where traditional grid infrastructure is lacking or unstable, as MOPO’s model eliminates the need for significant upfront investments or consumer credit, making clean energy accessible to underserved communities.

Chris Longbottom, CEO of MOPO, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that it validates MOPO’s mission to transform energy delivery in regions that need it most. He highlighted that the collaboration will help remove financial and logistical barriers to clean energy access, ultimately improving livelihoods and creating opportunities.

Sarvesh Suri, IFC’s Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Africa, noted that this partnership aligns with the World Bank Group’s Mission 300 initiative, which aims to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030. Suri pointed out that such collaborative efforts not only expand energy access but also contribute to job creation and local economic growth.

As MOPO continues to roll out its services across Africa, this partnership with the IFC represents a significant step towards achieving broader energy access and supporting sustainable development in the region.