Azuri Technologies, a provider of pay-as-you-go solar home solutions to off-grid households across Africa, has announced a strategic investment of US$26 million, led by Fortune Global 500 company Marubeni Corporation, with additional participation from existing shareholders, including FTSE 250 company IP Group plc.
The company says the strategic investment will accelerate its market growth plans in both East and West Africa and open up new opportunities for the business.
Azuri Technologies provides solar home systems to off-grid consumers in sub-Saharan Africa on a pay-as-you-go basis. These systems enable households without access to the grid to benefit from modern conveniences, from electric light to satellite TV and Internet access via smartphones.
Japanese corporation Marubeni has global interests in energy as well as substantial experience in Africa. Azuri says the capital infusion will enable it to accelerate expansion in existing sub-Saharan Africa markets and roll out its solar lighting, TV and additional services into new markets, with a focus on enhancing the lives of millions living without access to the grid.
“We are delighted today to announce the equity investment by Marubeni Corporation and existing shareholders. The entry of a leading player in the international energy market into this sector demonstrates the increasing maturity of off-grid power and its role in serving the 600 million people in Africa that still lack access to electricity,” said Simon Bransfield-Garth, CEO of Azuri Technologies.
Yoshiaki Yokota, chief operating officer, power business division, Marubeni Corporation, said the company believes “Azuri’s unique business model will have a profound impact on the growing off-grid energy market in Africa”.
“The global energy market is evolving rapidly, with the introduction of new renewable technologies and energy-efficient devices. We are delighted to be a strategic partner of Azuri as a market leader and see their solar home solutions and services as catalysts for change in the Africa energy sector and beyond,” Yokota said.
Jamie Vollbracht, partner at IP Group, said, “As an early investor in Azuri, we are pleased with its growth to date, with over 150,000 systems sold, positively impacting off-grid households in Africa. Today, we are delighted to welcome Marubeni to the business to help power the next exciting phase of growth for Azuri.”
Marubeni Corporation was founded more than 150 years ago and is now one of Japan’s largest trading firms with global interests across energy, manufacturing, trading and investment. The company has been investing in solar energy businesses for over 20 years.
Since 2012, Azuri has been providing affordable pay-as-you-go solar home solutions to off-grid households across sub-Saharan Africa, with offices in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
ISAAC ANYAOGU
