Azuri’s next-generation off-grid energy in Africa honored at TICAD7

The British Ambassador to Japan has honored Azuri Technologies’ – next-generation off-grid energy program in Africa – on being key to economic development in the region.

Ambassador Paul Madden threw the spotlight on Azuri Technologies during his visit to TICAD7, the long-standing Japanese summit aimed at driving trade and investment to African economies.

Azuri, the pay-as-you-go solar pioneer, last month announced a US$26 million capital equity investment led by Marubeni who are among the prominent Japanese corporations at TICAD this year showcasing the latest technology and services supporting one of the fastest-growing populations and economies in the world.

Attending the conference, Paul Madden the UK’s Ambassador to Japan commented: “Pioneering collaborations between Japanese and British companies, such as the one between Azuri and Marubeni will further accelerate the availability of digital technology across the whole of Africa and increase the speed of progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goal of universal access to energy.”

READ: Azuri’s US$26 million investment to accelerate Africa’s clean energy drive

The British Embassy recently commissioned research “Off-grid electricity in Africa” demonstrating the need for more action and investment in this sector and highlighted the positive work of UK companies such as Azuri.

Since launching in 2012, Azuri is one of the leading providers of pay-as-you-go solar power lighting and TV systems, operating in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Nigeria.

“Azuri is delighted to represent on the global stage the depth of Britain’s talent and innovation and demonstrate how renewable energy solutions developed by the UK is helping to change the lives and livelihoods of millions currently without access to energy across Africa,” commented Simon Bransfield-Garth, CEO of Azuri Technologies.

A recent survey from the global off-grid solar industry association GOGLA shows 58% of East African households with off-grid solar systems undertake more work and enterprise thanks to clean, affordable, electricity. The study also shows households with solar make an average additional $35 per month, more than 50% of monthly GDP per capita.

ALSO READ: Off-grid solar is spurring employment in emerging markets

From home lighting to satellite TV, Azuri-designed solutions deliver world-class performance and life-changing technology at an affordable price for off-grid customers who live away from mains power.

The Marubeni capital injection in Azuri will help millions across Africa access clean, affordable and reliable energy.

Azuri has uniquely combined cutting-edge solar innovation, mobile payment technology and machine-learning technology into a small, affordable systems that enable off-grid families, without access to mains electricity, to generate clean and reliable power for their home.

Customers have a stand-alone solar system in their house, with a panel, control unit including batteries and consumer devices such as LED lights, rechargeable radio and television. The system is paid for in small increments and once fully paid, the system is owned by the household and all power generated is free of charge to them.