Millions of off-grid homes across Kenya are set to benefit from an increased availability of pay-as-you-go solar systems.
Thanks to a deal to ‘expand their reach’, between Azuri Technologies, a provider of the affordable tech, and Unilever Kenya, more of these systems will be rolled out; in a move that will bring ‘powerful economic and social benefits’, according to a study cited in an Azuri news release. It reveals incomes of people using the pay-as-you-go systems increase by US$35 per month, with data showing children also do more homework in the evenings. In addition, Azuri said it has, to date, created 2,000 new jobs in the region.
“The partnership with Azuri will help deliver life-changing solar technology to off-grid communities and provide Unilever customers and traders with the benefits of modern energy. Solar power is proven to support the local and wider economy and further supports Unilever’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Justin Apsey, Managing Director East Africa at Unilever.
These technologies are transforming the energy landscape, providing electricity to millions of households across Africa, and impacting UN Sustainable Development Goal 7: to deliver reliable and clean energy for all. The challenge now is to accelerate these types of innovative solutions, as 600 million people in Africa still have no access to electricity.
“Azuri is delighted to be partnering with Unilever to expand further the reach of solar pay-as-you-go technology. The partnership is fully aligned to both Azuri and Unilever’s mission to a triple bottom line of simultaneously delivering social, environmental and financial returns to customers and investors alike,” added Simon Bransfield-Garth, Azuri CEO.
